The United Nations Ocean Conference 2022 (UNOC22), co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, comes at a critical time as the world is seeking to address many of the deep-rooted problems of our societies laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic and which will require major structural transformations and common shared solutions that are anchored in the SDGs. To mobilize action, the Conference will seek to propel much-needed science-based innovative solutions aimed at starting a new chapter of global ocean action.
Expected at the Conference are world leaders, researchers, scientists, civil society, and the youth, as well as regional and international organisations and initiatives committed to saving our oceans to protect the future, in line with the 2022 conference theme of ‘Save our Ocean, Protect our Future.’
Alongside the Conference is a virtual side event hosted by Go Blue Kenya on 28 June 2022 from 13.00h to 14.15h, Lisbon time titled, “Advancing the Blue Economy in Kenya: innovation in economic growth through value chains strengthening, integrated land-sea planning and management and maritime security, in an inclusive, participatory and sustainable manner.” The event will take the form of a debate on blue economy innovation in Kenya, focusing on how to unlock the full economic possibilities of coastal and marine resources while protecting these resources for present and future generations. In the panel are technical experts and representatives from the Go Blue implementing partners (Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua, I. P.; Expertise France - Agence Française de Developpement Group; Italian Agency for Development Cooperation; The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH; UN-Habitat/UNEP).
The expected outcomes and impact of the debate include:
• Share initial results from the Go Blue Project and its three pillars: Growth, Environment and Security.
• Get inputs from relevant actors in academia, private sector and civil society.
• Share best practices and
• Provide a networking opportunity for partners active in the blue economy, with a special focus on women and youth.