A historic first for Africa
Hosted by the Government of Kenya in Mombasa from 16-18 June 2026, OOC11 marks the first Our Ocean Conference to take place on African soil, convened under the theme ‘Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future.’ Since its inception in 2014, the conference has recorded more than 2,900 commitments worth over US$169 billion worldwide.
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO will play a central role at the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) in Mombasa, Kenya, convening Member States and partners, advancing ocean science, and mobilising commitments to support sustainable ocean governance worldwide.
Through a series of high-level events, partnerships, and regional engagements, IOC will showcase how ocean science, data, and cooperation provide the foundation for delivering on global ocean and climate goals, with a strong emphasis on Africa and the Western Indian Ocean.
Why it matters
The stakes could not be higher. Around 80% of all life on Earth depends on the ocean, and more than 3 billion people rely on it for food and livelihoods. Yet only 8.4% of the ocean has been designated as protected, and just 2.8% is effectively protected.
The challenges fall unevenly. Illegal and unreported fishing costs Africa an estimated US$11-13 billion every year, and coastal nations in the Global South contribute less than 10% of global emissions while facing the harshest climate impacts. At the same time, the opportunity is immense: Africa’s ocean economy is projected to exceed US$400 billion by 2030.
Kenya brings strong credentials as host. The country is recognised for its blue carbon leadership, including the protection of mangroves and seagrass ecosystems, and has a solid record on tackling plastic pollution and advancing circular economy policy. It also sits alongside the Western Indian Ocean, one of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions.
Strengthening regional cooperation in Africa
A major focus of IOC’s participation will be reinforcing collaboration across Africa through the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO’s Sub-Commission for Africa and the Adjacent Island States (IOCAFRICA) initiatives.
From science to solutions: IOC’s side events, day by day
IOC will lead and co-lead several official OOC side events, focusing on turning ocean science into policy and investment.
17 JUNE 2026
OceanEye: Stronger together for Global Ocean Observations
A call for renewed commitments to sustain the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). Recognising that no country can observe the ocean alone, the session aims to broaden the funding base and ensure the long-term sustainability of global ocean observation
📍Venue: Dodori, PrideInn Paradise
🕦 1:00pm–2:15pm
Raising ambition and financing in the wider Caribbean
An opportunity for Caribbean countries to present a coordinated package of new and strengthened commitments demonstrating implementation readiness and coordinated action.
📍Venue: Manta Ray, Pride Inn Paradise
🕦 1:00pm-2:15pm
Advancing large marine seascapes in the Western Indian Ocean Highlighting regional efforts to achieve the global 30×30 biodiversity target, showcasing how countries are scaling integrated ocean management approaches that combine marine protected areas, fisheries management, and spatial planning to support biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods.
📍TBC
🕦 TBC
18 JUNE 2026
From science to sovereignty
A high-level session on how ocean science and data systems can drive Africa’s inclusive blue economy.
📍Venue: Manta Ray, PrideInn Paradise
🕦 8:30am-9:45am
Advancing Africa’s ocean economy: from strategic frameworks to effective implementation
Moving from policy frameworks to concrete investments and projects, showcasing solutions in fisheries, aquaculture, and governance.
📍Venue: Eco Ballroom, PrideInn Paradise
🕦 2:00pm–3:15pm
Ocean Decade coastal cities blue partnership forum
Co-hosted by IOC, UN-Habitat and partners, this forum aims to establish a global network of coastal cities, promoting integrated approaches to blue economy development and marine ecosystem protection. By connecting local governments, scientists, and international partners, it supports the implementation of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, translating global commitments into local solutions.
📍 TBC
🕦 TBC
Regional engagement beyond Africa
IOC will also contribute to discussions in other regions, including a side event on advancing ocean coordination and ocean economy ambition in the Wider Caribbean, reinforcing its global reach and partnerships.
Ocean science at the heart of global action
At the research symposium, IOC will deliver a keynote on Ocean Science as Strategic Infrastructure: Governing Africa’s Blue Economy in the Ocean Decade, positioning ocean science as a core pillar of sustainable development, climate resilience, and ocean governance.
In addition, IOC leadership will contribute at the highest political level, including participation in plenary discussions on ocean–climate action, further reinforcing the role of science in achieving global climate goals.
Driving impact through partnership and leadership
Across all engagements, IOC will work closely with a wide range of partners (governments, regional organisations, development banks, UN agencies, and scientific networks) to mobilise commitments, strengthen capacity, and accelerate implementation of ocean solutions.
The Organisation’s presence at OOC 2026 reflects its unique role in coordinating global ocean science and observation systems, supporting Member States with data, capacity and policy tools, advancing inclusive and sustainable blue economies, and delivering on SDG 14 and the Ocean Decade.
From commitments to action
Through its engagements in Mombasa, IOC aims to ensure that the Our Ocean Conference delivers not only ambitious commitments, but lasting, science-based action on the ground. By connecting science, policy, and investment, IOC continues to help shape a future where a healthy ocean supports resilient communities, sustainable economies, and a stable climate.
read more: https://www.ioc.unesco.org/en/articles/ioc-11th-our-ocean-conference-2026
