Kenya: President William Samoei Ruto attended the closing ceremony of the 11th Our Oceans Conference. He urged global leaders and delegates to take bold steps and turn promises into tangible action.
President Ruto stated that the countries must find bolder ways to mobilise finance, harness technology and innovation, strengthen capacity and accelerate the implementation of shared commitments. The ceremony marked the end of a high-level global forum where countries renewed their commitments to ocean conservation.
The 2026 summit culminated in the adoption of the Mombasa Declaration of June 2026. This recorded 300 new commitments and pledged for ocean protection initiatives. These commitments further underscored growing global momentum to safeguard marine ecosystems amid rising climate and security concerns.
During the event, Kenya emerged as a key player at the conference and made 50 commitments worth Sh1.1 billion dollars to advance the blue economy. It will also strengthen fisheries management and will enhance marine protection.
President Ruto also highlighted several measures that Kenya has taken to promote sustainable ocean governance. He mentioned initiatives such as the creation of a dedicated State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries, construction of the Sh2.6 billion Shimoni Fish Port by Kenya Ports Authority, and acquisition of patrol boats to strengthen maritime security.
The conference, officially began on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 and brought together more than 6,000 delegates from 104 countries and institutions, giving governments, scientists and stakeholders a platform to turn policy commitments into concrete action on ocean protection.
About 11th Our Ocean Conference
The 11th Our Ocean Conference took place in Mombasa and Kilifi Counties, Kenya, from June 16 to 18, 2026. It marked a historic milestone, as for the first time the global summit was held on African soil.
The conference was guided by the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future.” It united global leaders, NGOs and businesses to accelerate ocean conservation, catalyse sustainable blue economy investments and combat climate challenges.
The event focused on six key pillars of ocean governance and sustainability:
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Advancing conservation targets and coastal marine restoration.
- Sustainable Fisheries: Promoting legal, safe, and sustainable practices.
- Marine Pollution: Expanding initiatives for plastics circularity.
- Sustainable Blue Economy: Investing in people-centered and regenerative ocean sectors.
- Climate Change: Enhancing resilience for coastal communities.
- Maritime Security: Protecting marine migratory routes and local livelihoods.
This landmark event offered a unique opportunity to shape the global ocean agenda for the next decade. As we enter the second half of the “critical decade” for the ocean, the 2026 Our Ocean Conference presented a key moment to focus our attention on meaningful action and ramp up efforts to meet our global goals. Kenya welcomed the global community to come together to protect our shared ocean, preserve our heritage, and secure a thriving future for generations to come.