The ocean plays a crucial role in global trade and economic development, yet it faces mounting pressures from climate change, overfishing, and pollution. The challenge of balancing economic prosperity with sustainability has never been more urgent. The 5th United Nations Ocean Forum, convened by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and its partners (hyperlink), brought together over 500 participants from 80 countries to explore ways to align trade and investment policies with sustainable ocean governance. The discussions generated pivotal recommendations for shaping international trade policies that foster a sustainable blue economy.

As part of IOI’s ongoing commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and capacity development in ocean governance, this first IOI Alumni CPD Webinar of 2025 will provide insights from the forum’s key discussions. The session will explore innovative strategies, policy recommendations, and financial mechanisms aimed at achieving sustainable ocean use while driving economic resilience.

Key Themes & Discussion Points:

• Aligning Trade and Investment with Ocean Conservation: How international trade policies can be designed to ensure environmental sustainability while supporting economic opportunities.
• Decarbonizing Shipping & Fisheries: The role of new regulations, green shipping corridors, and sustainable fisheries practices in reducing ocean-based carbon emissions.
• Bridging the Ocean Finance Gap: Strategies for increasing public and private investment in sustainable ocean industries, including a discussion on the proposed ‘Blue Deal.’
• Data-Driven Policy Solutions: The importance of fresh trade data, artificial intelligence, and digital tools in improving decision-making for sustainable ocean governance.
• Scaling Up Marine-Based Industries: How emerging sectors such as sustainable aquaculture and seaweed production can contribute to food security, biodiversity, and economic resilience.
• Importance of Capacity Development: How building the capacity of state parties and communities is a pre-requisite to achieving agreed goals; policy recommendations and implementation must be underpinned by global capacity development that is interdisciplinary in nature.

Why should you join this IOI CPD Webinar?

The 5th UN Ocean Forum provided useful impetus in trade related ocean policymaking. The recommendations from the forum will directly inform discussions at the United Nations Ocean Conference (Nice, France, June 2025), the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (Monaco, 2025), and UNCTAD16 (2025). This webinar will provide early access to the insights shaping these global discussions, equipping participants with the knowledge needed to engage effectively in ocean governance, capacity development, and policymaking.

This IOI Alumni CPD Webinar will provide a critical platform for discussing how trade and investment policies can be harmonized with ocean sustainability. By drawing on key takeaways from the 5th UN Ocean Forum, it will equip participants with insights to contribute to the ongoing transformation of global ocean governance.

Join us to explore how trade and policy can shape a sustainable future for our ocean!