The 2024 SOS and BlueFIN topics focus on advancing ocean sustainability and blue finance solutions, addressing ocean health, climate resilience, and economic growth. The World Ocean Council aims to unite stakeholders, drive sustainable investment, and foster collaboration for a thriving Blue Economy.
Ocean Executive Forum: The Signature SOS Multi-Sector Panel of CEOs
Discover how industry leaders are charting the course for ocean sustainability by addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and multi-sector collaboration. Gain actionable insights into how the private sector can take a leadership role in supporting ocean health.
Ocean/Blue Carbon Removal: Supply and Demand CO2 Removal Solutions at Scale
This session will provide an overview of the current status of marine carbon removal efforts, identifying barriers and opportunities for progress. Explore the creation of a business association to drive collaboration and best practices, and how companies aiming for net-zero can contribute to blue carbon removal efforts.
Ocean Smart: How to Radically Scale Up Ocean and Climate Data Collection from Vessels, Platforms, and Cables
This session will focus on scalable strategies to enhance ocean and climate data collection from vessels and platforms. Learn how the private sector can play a pivotal role in advancing ocean science and explore investment opportunities tied to ocean data collection and industry collaboration.
The Green Shipping and Ports Transition Ecosystem
Join the discussion on how ports and the shipping sector are critical players in driving a sustainable Blue Economy. Learn about the formation of a Center of Excellence aimed at advancing sustainable operations and overcoming the challenges faced by shipping and port industries.
Pathways to Net-Zero Coastal Cities
Explore the vital role of ocean industries, innovative technologies, and financial mechanisms in helping coastal cities achieve their net-zero ambitions. This session will also spotlight how sectors such as shipping and offshore renewable energy can drive progress toward net-zero coastal urbanization.
Offshore Wind Energy and Fisheries: Solutions to Address Cross-Sectoral Conflicts and Develop Synergies
Engage in a focused dialogue on the conflicts between fisheries and offshore wind industries. This session will showcase scientific data and best practices for coexistence and discuss ongoing cross-sector efforts aimed at resolving conflicts and fostering synergies.
Port/Coastal Infrastructure Resiliency: Private Sector Solutions to Advance Adaptation to Sea Level Rise and Extreme Weather Events
Learn how the private sector can lead efforts in building resilient ports and coastal infrastructure in the face of sea-level rise and extreme weather. This session will emphasize collaboration with stakeholders and the importance of global alliances to enhance adaptation strategies.
How Can Space Support the Sustainable Blue Economy?
Discover the growing potential of space data and Earth observations in supporting the Blue Economy. Explore opportunities to partner with organizations like the European Space Agency to drive innovation and investment in sustainable ocean business practices within the Blue Economy.
Marine Biodiversity and Ocean Industries: Protecting 30% by 2030 and Supporting the Global Biodiversity Framework
This session will guide private sector leaders on assessing and mitigating their impact on marine biodiversity, particularly in relation to the “30×30” initiative. Learn how cross-sector collaboration can inspire action and contribute to marine conservation at scale.
Coastal and Island Tourism: How to Build Business Leadership and Collaboration for Sustainability
Join the discussion on how coastal and island tourism can lead the charge in addressing sustainability challenges such as pollution and habitat degradation. This session will explore how tourism can become a net positive force for biodiversity conservation and carbon mitigation.
New High Seas Treaty: Ocean EIA Solutions and Best Practices for Assessing Threat, Risk, and Impacts to High Seas Biodiversity
Explore the far-reaching implications of the High Seas Treaty on ocean industries, with a focus on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). This session will offer insights into best practices for risk assessment and how science-based solutions can be effectively incorporated into the treaty to protect biodiversity.
Green Logistics and Supply Chains in Support of the Blue Economy
Gain an understanding of the evolving landscape of green logistics and supply chains, with a focus on emerging opportunities and cross-sector collaboration. This session will explore how sustainable logistics can support the broader goals of the Blue Economy.
Ocean-Climate Technology Solutions
Stay ahead of the curve by exploring the latest trends in ocean climate technologies. This session will discuss new developments and investment opportunities, while showcasing how collaboration between innovators and ocean industries can accelerate the deployment of ocean climate solutions.
Mediterranean Business and Finance Leadership and Collaboration for the Sustainable Blue Economy
This session will focus on identifying key business and financial players in the Mediterranean region and highlight opportunities for collaboration. Learn about the unique investment potential linked to addressing sustainability issues in the Mediterranean Sea basin.
Ocean Science and Industry Collaboration for Sustainability
Learn from best practices in collaboration between ocean science and industry, drawing from successful models like the Arctic Business Liaison Panel. This session will explore pathways to strengthen and scale up industry-science collaboration for marine sustainability, with a focus on actionable strategies.
Blue Finance Executive Forum: The BlueFIN High-Level Panel across the Finance Sectors
Join leaders from the blue finance ecosystem as they explore collaboration opportunities to accelerate the sustainable Blue Economy. This session will cover emerging investment trends, the latest opportunities, and how blue economy risk-return profiles compare with traditional investments.
Investing in Ocean CO2 Removal and Blue Carbon: The Role of Private Finance in Marine and Coastal Carbon Sequestration
Examine the current landscape of private finance in ocean CO2 removal and blue carbon. The session will address investor challenges, strategies to attract more capital, and the potential benefits of building a blue carbon “buyers’ community” to scale up investment.
Philanthropic and Family Office Financing for Ocean Health and Sustainability
Discover how family offices and philanthropic initiatives are advancing ocean health and sustainability. Explore ways these funding sources can collaborate with private finance to address funding gaps and scale solutions within the Blue Economy.
Private Equity and Venture Capital in the Blue Economy
Explore how private equity and venture capital are driving innovation within the Blue Economy. This session will identify high-growth sectors, early-stage opportunities, and the criteria investors use to evaluate ventures that promote sustainable ocean business practices.
Unlocking Capital for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the Blue Economy
Learn about the unique financing challenges facing SMEs in the Blue Economy. Explore innovative solutions, such as microfinance and crowdfunding, that can unlock capital for SMEs—critical drivers of economic growth, especially in emerging markets.
Impact Investing in the Blue Economy
This session will focus on the role of impact investing in transforming the Blue Economy by aligning financial returns with positive environmental outcomes. Learn about key impact metrics and what investors seek in Blue Economy projects that generate measurable environmental benefits.
Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD): What does it mean for ocean companies?
Explore the development and application of Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) in the ocean economy. This session will guide ocean companies on how to engage with TNFD, aligning their financial and environmental goals for long-term sustainability.
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