The Shenzhen Global Marine Economy Forum, was held on 31st October - 1st November in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China. The Secretary-General of IORA, H.E. Salman Al Farisi was invited as guest of honour and was accompanied by Ms Melyne Tarer, Blue Economy Expert of the IORA Secretariat. Participants from international organizations and representatives of public and private sectors attended.
This forum served as a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation. It brought together international stakeholders to explore sustainable development in the marine economy, promote innovation, and address the most pressing issues facing the world’s oceans. IORA’s Secretary-General was part of the high-level panel where he discussed the critical importance of enhancing ocean governance and boosting the efficiency of marine economies across regions, especially the Indian Ocean.
The forum provided an excellent opportunity for IORA to share its vision and strategic priorities in the context of the Blue Economy, as the global community works to:
- Develop sustainable marine economies: Encouraging collaboration among nations, especially those in the Indian Ocean Region, to harness marine resources for long-term economic prosperity.
- Foster innovation and technology transfer: Key discussions highlighted the importance of emerging technologies, from renewable energy like offshore wind and wave energy to innovations in marine biotechnology and aquaculture.
Address marine pollution: A shared global commitment was reinforced to combat marine pollution, including plastic waste, which threatens both marine life and the marine economy.
The Secretary-General highlighted: "The importance of having efficient and effective ocean governance as a response to the global problems of the oceans is attached to the concept of intergenerational solidarity, shared responsibility in the distribution of resources, and equal development opportunities for all. As such, the governance must be inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.”
China has been a key partner in IORA’s efforts, contributing financially since 2011.
