Monaco is set to reaffirm its leadership in ocean sustainability this May, hosting two major international gatherings dedicated to governance and the blue economy. The Monaco Blue Initiative will take place on 27 May at the Musée océanographique de Monaco, followed by the Blue Economy and Finance Forum at the Grimaldi Forum on 28 and 29 May.
Presented as a strategic sequence, the two events aim to bridge the gap between policy and action, just weeks ahead of World Oceans Day. During a recent press briefing, Romain Ciarlet of the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco and Cyril Gomez outlined a clear objective: to move beyond discussion and accelerate implementation.
At the heart of the conversation lies a pressing imbalance. While global awareness and scientific knowledge continue to grow, tangible progress remains slow. As Ciarlet emphasized, the issue is no longer about understanding the challenges facing the ocean, but about translating commitments into concrete action. Despite billions spent annually on harmful practices, investment in conservation still lags behind.
The Monaco Blue Initiative will open the dialogue with a closed-door format, bringing together policymakers, scientists and key stakeholders for candid exchanges. Focus areas will include the post-2025 ocean agenda, the implementation of the BBNJ treaty on high seas biodiversity, and the geopolitical complexities shaping environmental cooperation. The aim is not public declarations, but alignment at the highest level.
The following day, attention will shift toward execution. The Blue Economy and Finance Forum will gather around 400 participants — including investors, corporations and entrepreneurs — to explore how capital can be mobilised to support sustainable ocean solutions. From maritime decarbonisation to innovative food systems and ocean data technologies, the forum will highlight sectors where business and environmental responsibility can converge.
Both events carry a unified message: solutions already exist, but funding must follow. Strengthening the connection between innovation and investment is now critical to the health of the world’s oceans.
As Monaco convenes global leaders once again, the Principality positions itself not only as a place of dialogue, but as a catalyst for real, measurable change.