Kenya will become the first African nation to host the Our Ocean Conference, with President William Ruto confirming that the 11th edition of the global event will take place in June 2026.
The announcement came after his meeting with former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in New York.
Ruto described the decision as a turning point for Africa, saying it places the continent at the center of global discussions on ocean protection, sustainable management, and the blue economy.
“The 2026 Our Ocean Conference will be historic, providing Africa with the platform to showcase leadership in ocean action while building consensus on safeguarding marine ecosystems and responsibly harnessing blue resources for shared prosperity,” he said.
Themed “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” the gathering will focus on how to strike a balance between conservation and development. Kenya intends to use the platform to showcase its policies on fisheries management, marine biodiversity, and ocean health, while rallying international partners toward collective action.
Since its launch in 2014, the Our Ocean Conference has grown into a major forum for governments, civil society, and private sector leaders to commit to practical measures for safeguarding marine resources.
Bringing the 2026 conference to Nairobi shows Africa’s expanding role in global environmental negotiations and ocean governance.
Ruto stressed that the occasion would not only highlight Africa’s conservation efforts but also demonstrate the continent’s readiness to harness the blue economy for sustainable growth and employment.
He noted Africa’s vast coastlines, rich biodiversity, and untapped resources as vital contributions to addressing climate change, food security, and biodiversity loss.
“Kenya is committed to protecting its oceans and harnessing blue resources responsibly for sustainable growth. We will use this conference to secure prosperity for generations to come,” he said.
Kenya hopes the conference will attract investment, strengthen partnerships, and create a platform for sharing best practices. It will also amplify the voices of African nations, many of which face serious challenges from ocean pollution, declining fish stocks, and rising sea levels despite limited resources to respond.
Kerry, who initiated the conference during his time as U.S. Secretary of State, welcomed Kenya’s readiness to host the landmark event, emphasizing the importance of Africa’s involvement in shaping the future of global ocean action.
