The ocean’s surface temperature hit a record high of nearly 21°C in March 2026 — half a degree above the 1993-2022 average. Ecosystems are under mounting pressure, financing for ocean protection remains inadequate, and governance of the world’s seas is fragmented. Against that backdrop, Monaco is hosting two back-to-back international gatherings from 27th to 29th May designed to move the conversation from diagnosis to action.
Two complementary events will take place across three days. The Monaco Blue Initiative (MBI) opens on 27th May at the Oceanographic Museum, bringing together more than 100 scientists, policymakers, international organisations and economic actors. The Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) follows on 28th and 29th May at the Grimaldi Forum, targeting more than 300 investors, financial institutions, businesses and political leaders. Both are co-organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco.
What is being discussed?
The MBI will focus on three central themes: the post-2025 ocean agenda — assessing how the international milestones of 2025 have reshaped ocean governance and what needs to happen before 2030; ocean governance and financing in a fragmented world; and the BBNJ Agreement and the protection of marine areas on the high seas. A series of thematic workshops will run alongside the main sessions.
The BEFF picks up where the MBI leaves off, translating scientific and governance priorities into concrete financial levers. Key themes include blue economy financing, decarbonisation of maritime transport, sustainable food resources from the sea, and integrating the blue economy into global financial strategies. An innovation hub will showcase companies developing solutions for a regenerative blue economy.
Who is speaking?
At the MBI, confirmed speakers include Sylvie Goulard, co-president of the International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits; Valerie Hickey, World Bank Director for Environment; Serge Ekue, President of the West African Development Bank; Karen Sack, Executive Director of the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance; and Pascal Lamy, former Director General of the World Trade Organisation.
At the BEFF, confirmed speakers include Marisa Drew, Chief Sustainability Officer at Standard Chartered; Guillaume Branco, Managing Director of Eurazeo; Mike Velings, Co-founder and CEO of Aqua-Spark; and Bertrand Charron, Global Director of Research at the Aquaculture Stewardship Council.
Why Monaco and why now?
The BEFF made a significant impact at its first edition in 2025, held alongside the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice — attracting 1,800 participants from nearly 100 countries, identifying more than €25 billion in investment opportunities and unlocking €8.7 billion in additional commitments for the blue economy transition.
“We no longer lack scientific knowledge — we lack execution,” said Cyril Gomez, Deputy Director General of the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco. “The problem is no longer understanding, it is acting. Without clear governance and readable rules of the game, it is difficult for the private sector to engage and invest in the right direction. In Monaco, we offer a unique platform, over three days, to address these issues at the highest level.”
Romain Ciarlet, Vice-President and Chief Executive of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, added: “The Blue Economy and Finance Forum is committed to being a lever for action, mobilising private sector actors, philanthropists and investors to transform commitments into concrete solutions in service of the ocean.”
See also:
What Monaco’s Blue Economy and Finance Forum achieved — the results are in
Photo: Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, credit: Cassandra Tanti