the program
17TH edition of the Monaco Blue Initiative – 27 MAY 2026
– PROVISIONAL PROGRAM –
8.00 - 9.00 am : Welcome coffee
9.00 - 9.15 am : Introduction and welcome to the Monaco Blue Initiative
9.15 -10.30 am : Welcome address by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Impact keynote, #Panel 1: Opening
PANEL 1
The post-2025 ocean agenda:
consolidating milestones and confronting blockages
• Introductory panel for the 17th edition of the MBI
• Analyse how the 2025 milestones (UNOC, BBNJ, WTO agreement on fisheries subsidies) have reshaped
the ocean policy and institutional landscape and what this means for the next course of action.
• Identify where political and financial momentum is emerging, and where structural or geopolitical
blockages (IMO, plastics treaty) are likely to shape strategic choices through 2030 and beyond.
Speakers will be announced soon
The post-2025 ocean agenda:
consolidating milestones and confronting blockages
• Introductory panel for the 17th edition of the MBI
• Analyse how the 2025 milestones (UNOC, BBNJ, WTO agreement on fisheries subsidies) have reshaped
the ocean policy and institutional landscape and what this means for the next course of action.
• Identify where political and financial momentum is emerging, and where structural or geopolitical
blockages (IMO, plastics treaty) are likely to shape strategic choices through 2030 and beyond.
Speakers will be announced soon
10.30 - 11.15 am : Group photo, Coffee break
11.15 - 12.15 am: #Panel 2: high level
#PANEL 2
Governing and financing the ocean in a fragmented world
• Clarify what international frameworks concretely change for public and private action, what challenges
lie ahead for the ocean community in different timeframes.
• Identify where governance uncertainty becomes a direct risk for investment and economic planning
and what implications this entails for private investors.
• Discuss strategic priorities for vulnerable areas and ecosystems such as coastal cities, polar regions of
coral reefs in the face of the triple planetary crisis and geopolitical realignments.
Speakers will be announced soon
12.15 - 2.00 pm: Networking lunch, Standing buffet format
2.00 - 4.00 pm : #Panel 3, Keynote update
#PANEL 3
BBNJ and high seas MPAs – looking ahead
• Where do we stand after the entry into force of the treaty on January 17th 2026, roadmap to COP1 BBNJ.
• Structure the coordinated creation of high seas MPAs under BBNJ, from science to finance through
planning and leading actors.
• Identify tools, political risks and the role of the private sector and technologies (AI, space) to avoid
deadlock and maximise impact.
Speakers will be announced soon
• Where do we stand after the entry into force of the treaty on January 17th 2026, roadmap to COP1 BBNJ.
• Structure the coordinated creation of high seas MPAs under BBNJ, from science to finance through
planning and leading actors.
• Identify tools, political risks and the role of the private sector and technologies (AI, space) to avoid
deadlock and maximise impact.
Speakers will be announced soon
Thematic Workshops by table (TBC)
• Implementation, enforcement and control
• Financing BBNJ
• The role of technology, data and AI
• Impacts and adaptation for the private sector (shipping, energy with tourism, fisheries)
• High seas and the deep sea
• Integrating science and IPLC knowledge
• Lessons learned from other international bodies