The World Ocean Summit has announced its final speaker line-up, with over 150 experts and leaders, including Prince Albert II, participating at the four-day virtual event with the theme ‘How to achieve 2030 targets’.
The 9th annual World Ocean Summit Virtual Week, from 1st to 4th March, brings together leading figures from the worlds of science, government, business, civil society and investment for online conversations, interactive sessions, roundtables and a virtual exhibit all in the name of ocean protection and rehabilitation.
This year’s theme, ‘How to achieve 2030 targets’, will look at developments in fishing, shipping, energy, tourism, aquaculture and the seemingly never-ending problem of plastics.
Last year, the event saw over 8,000 registered visitors from 175 countries.
The list of distinguished speakers for the 2022 edition is a diverse one. In addition to Prince Albert II, there is US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN and Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group Aminia Mohammed, professional big wave surfer Maya Gabiera, Director of World Without Waste at Coca-Cola Europe Ana Gasco, and Jane Ewing, Senior Vice-President for Sustainability at US retail giant Walmart.
Speaking ahead of the Summit, Ian Hemming, Managing Director of Economist Impact, organiser of the event, said, “We are looking forward to reconnecting the International Oceans community, and hosting four days of remarkable and memorable discussions, and showcasing the latest innovations of the sector.”
Talking points will include how industries can work together to practice better waste management and find solutions to reduce marine plastic pollution, how to reach the ocean health restoration target date of 2030, fixing the overfishing problem, goals for decarbonising the shipping industry by 2050, increasing production of renewable marine energy, and using nature-based solutions to combat climate change.
Additionally, on 2nd March, Back to Blue, an Economist Impact and Nippon Foundation initiative, will reveal the findings of its chemical pollution report.
There will also be two short films hosted by Llyod’s Register Foundation, Two kinds of Water and Salt Lines, directed by award-winner Dan McDougall.
The event is a precursor to Monaco’s own sea event, Monaco Ocean Week, which is being held from 21st to 26th March. Organised by the Prince Albert II Foundation, the event will bring together experts for meetings, debates and mobilisation efforts.
Photo by Anastasia Taioglou on Unsplash