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Building on the call for engagement of the One Ocean Finance Facility at UNOC3 in June, ocean leaders gathered in Nairobi to define a shared roadmap, align political and technical milestones, and identify opportunities for sustained efforts on the road to UNOC4.
The session was opened by Ms. Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director who encouraged collective action and innovative thinking to ensure that SDG14 is properly financed. She was followed by Kenyan PS Betsy Njagi, Minister Steven Victor of Palau and Ambassador Julio Cordano of Chile. The speakers focused on the importance of co-designing, of building on existing coalition and solutions, as well as the interlinkages with existing international policy frameworks, such as the BBNJ Agreement.
“The One Ocean Finance Facility is a chance to channel finance for SDG 14 in a coherent, innovative, and equitable manner. Chile is proud to be at the forefront of this discussion and looks forward to shape the exiting co-designing phase for the benefit of the people and of our ocean” – Ambassador Julio Cordano, Director for Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile, and Sherpa to the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy.
Photo: © UNEP/Kiara Worth
A group discussion ensued, focused on four main key discussion topics and objectives:
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Advance the preparatory track on ocean finance toward UNOC4, with agreed milestones and opportunities for collective progress.
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Reinforce the relevance of ocean finance in global processes, linking it to broader sustainability and financing dialogues.
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Explore and discuss concrete pathways, through the One Ocean Finance Facility concept, through which Member States can strengthen the ocean finance architecture.
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Provide a platform for governments to signal leadership and commitment, strengthening political momentum toward transformative outcomes in 2026 and beyond.
Photo: © UNEP/Kiara Worth
IUCN was represented by Minna Epps (Global Ocean Policy Director, Centre for Policy and Law). She outlined the next steps needed to galvanize until 2028. She underscored the need for country-led and science-based leadership by a group of dedicated champions.
“To achieve a sustainable and regenerative blue economy, we must harness the power of capital markets through innovative financing mechanisms. This requires not only investment but also a solid foundation of robust scientific data and research that can guide our decisions. Good science is essential in understanding our ocean’s ecosystems, helping us to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship” – Minna Epps, Global Ocean Policy Director, IUCN.
Photo: © Tommaso Demozzi
The event was closed by Ambassador Peter Thomson, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, who urged for concrete results and ambitious political leadership.
Photo: © UNEP/Kiara Worth