Monaco Blue Initiative officially opened on Wednesday, May 27 at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco in the presence of Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, bringing together international leaders, scientists and environmental experts for a new round of discussions focused on the future of the world’s oceans.
Now in its 17th edition, the annual gathering has become one of the Principality’s leading platforms for dialogue on marine conservation and ocean governance. Organised ahead of this week’s Blue Economy and Finance Forum, the initiative once again places Monaco at the centre of international conversations surrounding environmental protection and sustainable maritime development.
The event programme includes plenary sessions, strategic meetings and presentations of operational projects aimed at addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing marine ecosystems. Participants include political decision-makers, researchers, NGOs, financial actors and representatives from international institutions involved in ocean policy.
Discussions this year are expected to focus heavily on financing solutions for marine conservation, biodiversity protection, climate resilience and the development of a sustainable blue economy. The Monaco Blue Initiative has increasingly positioned itself as a bridge between scientific expertise and political action, encouraging concrete commitments rather than purely symbolic declarations.
The opening session also served as a prelude to the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, which begins later this week in Monaco and is expected to attract major figures from the worlds of finance, sustainability and environmental governance.
Over the years, Monaco has built a strong international profile in ocean advocacy, particularly through the environmental initiatives supported by Prince Albert II and the Principality’s longstanding partnership with the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco.