From March 7-9, The Economist will host its fifth World Ocean Summit in Riviera Maya, Mexico, bringing together more than 300 leaders from government, business and academia to address the ocean’s largest problems and to accelerate the transition to its sustainable use for business.
The ocean is in trouble. Across the world, humans have effected dramatic change upon the seas. One thing is certain: our current course is unsustainable. Yet the ocean remains a vital resource with the potential to generate enormous economic growth. Balancing human activity with the long-term health of the ocean is essential.
The last year has been a decisive one for the ocean. In June the United Nations held its first conference on the ocean to discuss the implementation of an ocean-specific sustainable development goal. The COP23 climate change meeting presented an opportunity to usher in swifter and more ambitious action than we have seen so far.
Companies, governments and individuals have made commitments to the ocean—many of which were unveiled at the World Ocean Summit 2017.
And if 2017 was the year of big promises, 2018 must be about delivery. The World Ocean Summit is the most diverse and significant global gathering about the ocean.
International media will join the conversation with political leaders and policymakers, heads of global business, scientists, NGOs and multilateral organizations for a frank and future-focused discussion.
Featured speakers will include:
- Enrique Peña Nieto, President, Mexico
- Erna Solberg, Prime Minister, Norway
- John Hayes, CEO, Ball Corporation
- Janis Searles Jones, CEO, Ocean Conservancy
- Lisa Emelia Svensson, Director for Ocean, United Nations Environment
- Michael Eckhart, Managing director and head of environmental finance, power, Citigroup
- Roz Savage, Senior Fellow, Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, Yale University
More than 360 experts and world leaders participated in the 2017 Ocean World Summit (Image: OWS)
Topics of discussion will include, ocean finance, climate change, pollution, sustainable seafood, ocean plastics, ocean technology and ocean governance. Interview opportunities with speakers will be available upon request.
The full list of speakers and full agenda can be found here and the media registration link here.
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