Monaco to host the "Blue Economy and Finance Forum", as part of the United Nations Ocean Conference

●      On June 7 and 8, 2025, Monaco will host the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF), a UN Ocean Conference Special Event.

●      Just before the United Nations Ocean Conference (June 9-13, 2025 in Nice), it will aim to massively activate funding to restore ocean health and accelerate the transition to a sustainable and regenerative blue economy.

The Principality of Monaco's strong commitment to ODD14

The Principality of Monaco, under the impetus of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, has long been committed to protecting the ocean. The BEFF, jointly organized by the Government of Monaco, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, with the support of France and Costa Rica, will contribute to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14): "conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development", whose funding targets are far from being met. In fact, it is estimated that of the USD 175 billion needed each year, only USD 25 billion has been mobilized to date.

BEFF aims to bridge this gap by bringing together business leaders from finance and industry, government representatives, multilateral institutions, and stakeholders committed to the blue economy. Through concrete examples of scale-up and the announcement of innovative mechanisms for mobilizing additional available capital, it aims to activate sustainable financing for the development of a sustainable and regenerative blue economy.

"Together, we will mobilize the necessary investments - both public and private - for a sustainable blue economy, and lay the foundations for a future that unites human progress with the preservation of the planet," declares HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

BEFF: a forum for action and concrete announcements

A platform for high-level discussions, the forum will also be an ideal venue for establishing concrete partnerships and investment opportunities in the blue economy. Over two days, plenary sessions, panels and side-events will focus on ocean preservation and the financing of a sustainable blue economy: a dense and ambitious program resolutely geared towards action, which will enable the various players to meet, cross-fertilize their experiences and analyze the means of scaling up the solutions identified.

In addition, a blue innovation hall will showcase innovative solutions and technologies paving the way for a sustainable and regenerative blue economy, providing concrete examples of how the principles debated at the forum can be translated into transformative action.

PROVISIONAL PROGRAM

Saturday, June 7th

09:15: Official opening by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Presentation of the issues by the co-chairmen: Mr. Pascal Lamy and H.E. Ilana Seid

Morning: Investing in ocean health, conservation and resilience

●      Opening speech by Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank

●      Two panels to explore financial tools for marine conservation:

o   Financing local and national initiatives (Marine protected areas, regulated fishing zones, coral reefs, etc.).

o   Support for cross-border conservation programs (multiparameter insurance, biodiversity credits, etc.)

●      Side events: 7 “Solution Hubs” organised simultaneously on themes such as Marine protected areas, algae, measuring the ocean footprint of companies, innovation...

Afternoon: Financing a sustainable and regenerative blue economy

●      Opening speech by Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans

●      Two panels to illustrate concrete solutions:

o   Mixed public-private financing: a lever for accelerating the transition.

o   Venture capital and innovation: driving a new generation of sustainable services with traditional players (banks, insurance companies, etc.) for large-scale projects.

●      Side events: 7 “Solution Hubs”, on themes such as shipping, sustainable fishing and aquaculture, plastics...

 

●      Special evening: Screening of the movie “Ocean with David Attenborough”

A Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios co-production, in association with All3Media International, National Geographic, and Minderoo Pictures. The film is directed by Toby Nowlan, Keith Scholey and Colin Butfield and produced by Nowlan. The film is co-produced by Arksen & 10% for the Ocean, Don Quixote Foundation, National Geographic Society and Pristine Seas, Revive Our Ocean, and the Prince Albert II of Monaco. Foundation. Evening only open to accredited participants of BEFF.  

Sunday June 8th

Morning:

●      Side events: 6 “Solution Hubs”, on topics such as risks, alternative fuels…

Blue ports and maritime transport

●      Opening speech by Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)

●      Two panels with players from the maritime and port world:

o   Decarbonisation and reduction of the impact of maritime transport

o   Adaptation of ports and coastal infrastructures

 

Ensuring sustainable governance and financing of the ocean

Statements by the private sector, representatives of multilateral organisations and heads of state.

Closing address

●      President Rodrigo Chaves Robles.

●      President Emmanuel Macron.

●      HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

 

Expected speakers include: Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); Ray Dalio, Founder of Bridgewater Associates and philanthropist; Thierry Deau, Principal at Meridiam and SUEZ President; Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO); Sylvie Goulard, Co-Chair of the IAPB; Ekhosuehi Iyahen, Secretary-General of the Insurance Development Forum (IDF); Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans; Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB); Sanda Ojiambo, Under-Secretary-General for the United Nations Global Compact; Rodolphe Saadé, CEO of CMA CGM; Karen Sack, Executive Director of the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance...

BEFF works with key partners:

●      High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy

●      World Economic Forum

●      UN Global Compact

●      Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA)

●      World Resources Institute