Programme
FRIDAY JUNE 6th
14.00 - 20.00
Registration desks open to participants for badges collection - Auditorium Rainier III
Programme
SATURDAY JUNE 7th
08.00
Grimaldi Forum opening doors
09.15 - 09.30
Room: Salle des Princes
- HSH Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco
- Pascal LAMY, Co-Chair of the Blue Economy and Finance Forum; Vice President at Paris Peace Forum; Coordinator at Institut Jacques Delors; Former Director-General of the World Trade Organization
- HE Ilana SEID, Co-Chair of the Blue Economy and Finance Forum; Permanent Representative of the Republic of Palau to the United Nations; Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States
09.30 - 11.00
Room: Salle des Princes
09.30 - 09.40 KEYNOTE SPEECH
- Christine LAGARDE, President of the European Central Bank (ECB)
Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB and a leading figure in global financial architecture and governance, will outline the current state of play and highlight the opportunities that a sustainable blue economy presents for both nature and business ecosystems - one that cannot be missed if we want to keep thriving.
- Agnès PANNIER-RUNACHER, Minister for the Ecological Transition, Energy, the Climate and Risk Prevention, French Republic
09.40 - 10.20 Panel 1: Catalysing Finance for Ecosystem Conservation Impacts (Local or National)
Financing the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems is a critical challenge in ensuring Ocean resilience amid increasing pressures from climate change and human activities. This panel will bring together experts from the financial sector, international organisations, and committed businesses to discuss innovative solutions, financial instruments, and pioneering initiatives. It will showcase concrete and scalable local projects and financial models that mobilise capital for ocean protection and accelerate the preservation of marine ecosystems.
How can these tools be deployed at scale? What challenges must be addressed to make such financing more accessible and effective? This discussion will provide insights based on case studies and hands-on experience.
- Dr. Grethel AGUILAR, Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- Dr. Angelique BRATHWAITE, Director of Science and Conservation and Co-Founder of Blue Alliance
- Melissa GARVEY, Global Director, Nature Bonds Program at the Nature Conservancy
- Ekhosuehi IYAHEN, Secretary-General of the Insurance Development Forum
- Jean LEMIERRE, Chairman of the Board of BNP Paribas
- José SOARES DOS SANTOS, Chairman and Founder of the Oceano Azul Foundation
- Moderator: Robyn CURNOW, Broadcaster, foreign correspondent and speaker, U.S.A and South Africa
10.20 - 11.00 Panel 2: Financing Transboundary Conservation Programmes
By nature, marine ecosystem conservation is challenging as it is not confined to national boundaries. It can span municipal, local, national, regional and international boundaries. To be truly effective, action must be considered on an ecosystem basis, often crossing borders or jurisdictions. This panel will explore innovative financing solutions to support cross-boundary conservation, biodiversity regeneration, scientific research, and economic prosperity at national, international and regional levels, and ways to bridge the funding gap for cross-border ocean conservation. We will tackle questions such as: How can we ensure long-term and large-scale funding for transboundary conservation efforts? What role should philanthropies, private investors and financial institutions play in supporting these initiatives - and how can they collaborate with governments and international organizations in that regard? How can innovative financial instruments support this endeavour?
- Sinikinesh BEYENE JIMMA, Head of Marine and Freshwater Branch a.i, and Chief of Marine and Coastal Ecosystems at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- Ray DALIO, Founder and Chief Investment Officer Mentor and Member of the Board of Bridgewater Associates
- Dr. Andrew FORREST AO, Executive Chairman and Founder of Fortescue; Founder of the Minderoo Foundation and Tattarang
- Barbara KARUTH-ZELLE, Group Chief Operating Officer and Member of the Board of Management of Allianz SE
- Kristin RECHBERGER, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dynamic Planet and Revive Our Ocean
- Mary SCHAPIRO, Vice-Chair of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ)
- Moderator: Karen SACK, Executive Director of Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA)
11.00 - 11.30
Coffee Break
11.30 - 13.00
13.00 - 14.15
Lunch Break
14.15 - 16.05
Room: Salle des Princes
14.15 - 14.25 KEYNOTE SPEECH
- Costas KADIS, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans
Costas Kadis will draw on his experience as EU Commissioner for Fisheries and the Ocean to highlight the key challenges facing the transition to a blue economy, and how the public and private sectors must come together in this crucial endeavour.
14.25 - 15.15 Panel 1: Uniting forces, the power of blended finance
The ocean economy, valued at over $2.6 trillion and employing more than 100 million people, is a powerful engine of global growth and resilience. Yet, despite its vast potential spanning multiple sub-industries and projects such as renewable energy, shipping and sustainable fisheries, blue opportunities remain underfunded. Less than 1% of philanthropic capital supports regenerative ocean projects. Persistent funding gaps post a threat to the long-term economic prosperity especially in emerging and developing economies.
This panel will explore how to revolutionize blue finance by identifying innovative de-risking, blended finance and other innovative financing mechanisms, including biodiversity credits, that have the potential to expand the sources of capital deployed in support of blue projects. By leveraging public, multilateral, and philanthropic capital to reduce risk and attract private investment, stakeholders can unlock the ocean’s full potential as a high-growth and resilient investment frontier.
It will identify strategies to overcome regulatory and financial barriers, foster public-private partnerships, and catalyse nature-positive solutions that safeguard marine ecosystems. It will also showcase real-world examples and actionable pathways to scale funding for ocean-positive ventures, demonstrating that investing in the ocean is not only a moral imperative but a strategic financial opportunity.
- Marisa DREW, Chief Sustainability Officer of Standard Chartered
- Dame Amelia FAWCETT, Co-Chair of the International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits (IAPB); Non-Executive Director at State Street Corporation
- Sylvie GOULARD, Co-Chair of the International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits (IAPB)
- Lukas WALTON, Founder and Chief executive Officer of Builders Vision
- Pradeep KURUKULASURIYA, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Capital Development Fund
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Moderator: Sebastian BUCKUP, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum
15.15 - 16.05 Panel 2: Fuelling innovation and the blue transition through private investment
The lion’s share of capital currently flowing into the Ocean comes from private sources, with a limited amount provided by the public sector. This highlights the overwhelming dominance of private capital in ocean-related economic development, and how directing this investment towards blue economy opportunities and innovation is essential for building a resilient and sustainable future.
This session will demonstrate the potential of venture capital and private equity to support incubators, start-ups, intrapreneurs, and industrial innovation in delivering new, sustainable, and regenerative goods and services. Examples from various sectors and regions will be presented to illustrate the case for blue investments as the next frontier of the ocean economy—and the only strategically viable business model for long-term success.
- Isabelle DE CREMOUX, Chief Executive Officer of Seventure Partners
- Mo IBRAHIM, Chairman of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation
- Gianpiero LEONCINI, Executive Vice President of CAF - Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean
- Nathalie SAREL, Managing Director and Head of Sustainable Banking at Crédit Agricole CIB
- Xu Ben ZHANG, Program Lead at the Kelp Forest Foundation
- Moderator: Robyn CURNOW, Boardcaster, foreign correspondent and speaker, U.S.A and South Africa
16.05 - 16.30
Coffee Break
16.30 - 18.00
18.15 - 19.45
Audience seating at 06.00 PM
Screening starts at 06.15 PM
Original version in English with French subtitles
Room : Salle des Princes
Programme
SUNDAY JUNE 8th
07.00 - 08.30
09.00 - 10.10
Room: Salle des Princes
09.00 - 09.10 KEYNOTE SPEECH
- Arsenio DOMINGUEZ, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
As Secretary-General of the IMO, Arsenio Dominguez will share his unique perspective on recent developments driven by multilateral dialogue concerning the transition to sustainable maritime shipping and infrastructure, as well as the challenges that still lie ahead for the industry.
09.10 - 09.40 Panel 1: Shipping Mitigation and Decarbonation
Maritime shipping accounts for 3% of global GES emissions and generate pressures on Ocean biodiversity. The sector has begun to shift its practices in pursuit of the goals set by the Paris Agreement and the preservation of biodiversity. This session will explore the wide range of challenges currently facing maritime shipping on its journey towards decarbonisation: energy efficiency, the adoption of new clean fuels, and the global footprint across the entire lifecycle of ships are among them. Underpinning this transition is the need to mobilise investment at scale, alongside the crucial role of regulatory frameworks—both local and global—in incentivising change across the industry. Speakers will also share current solutions being explored and best practices already in place.
- Thomas Thune ANDERSEN, Chairman of Lloyd’s Register Group
- Christine CABAU, Executive Vice-President Assets and Operations CMA CGM Group
- Amy CHAN, Commissioner for Maritime and Port Development; Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Jean-Pierre CLAMADIEU, Chairman of the Board of ENGIE
- Joe KRAMEK, President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Shipping Council
- Chavalit Frederick TSAO, Chairman of TPC (Tsao Pao Chee)
- Moderator: Vassilios DEMETRIADES, Chief Strategy Officer UW Group; Former Shipping Deputy Minister of Cyprus
09.40 - 10.10 Panel 2: Port and Costal Infrastructure Adaptation
Envisioning the decarbonisation of maritime shipping goes hand in hand with the evolution of ports and coastal infrastructure worldwide. Both face distinct challenges in transitioning to a sustainable model—such as maintaining economic performance while adapting to the impacts of climate change.
In this session, we will explore these issues in depth. Our speakers will share their perspectives on the changes required, as well as the solutions already being implemented in port infrastructures, including electrification and other technological advancements. The discussion will examine the scale of financing needed to support these developments effectively. Furthermore, the session will highlight the leading role that port authorities can play in driving the transformation of current ports, coastal infrastructures, and shipping systems. They will draw a picture of what future blue ports and coastal infrastructures should look like.
- Thierry DÉAU, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Meridiam; Chairman of SUEZ
- Tao LIU, Vice President of Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd
- Édouard PHILIPPE, President of the International Association Cities and Ports (AIVP); Mayor of Le Havre
- Francesco PRAZZO, General Manager at SBM Offshore
- Tao LIU, Vice President of Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd.
- Moderator: Vassilios DEMETRIADES, Chief Sustainability Officer UW Group; Former Shipping Deputy Minister of Cyprus
10.10 - 10.40
Coffee Break
10.40 - 10.55
Dance company: Steps for a Change (Montpellier, France)
Choreography and conception: Emily Lartillot & Yunne Shin
Room: Salle des Princes
11.00 - 12.30
Room: Salle des Princes
11.00 - 11.55 Panel 1: Looking Forward: Global Solutions for Ocean Finance
This session will explore the concrete solutions being developed and already implemented that have the potential to bridge the Ocean funding gap at a global level, supporting initiatives that can have a transformative impact on the blue economy. Whether through new financial mechanisms to unlock capital at scale, aligning financing frameworks with the SDGs, risk assessment and mitigation, protecting marine areas, shifting to sustainable practices, or other approaches, all these initiatives pave the way for a more efficient and coordinated global architecture for the deployment of Ocean finance.
- Inger ANDERSEN, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
- Ambroise FAYOLLE, Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB)
- Sanda OJIAMBO, Assistant Secretary-General, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact
- Rémy RIOUX, Chairman of Finance in Common (FiCS)
- James SCRIVEN, Chief Executive Officer of IDB Invest
- Axel VAN TROTSENBURG, Senior Managing Director of the World Bank
- Moderator: Robyn CURNOW, Broadcaster, foreign correspondent and speaker, U.S.A and South Africa
12.00 - 12.30 Panel 2: Statements and Governance Recommendations
This final session highlights bold leadership by Heads of State and Government in unlocking ocean finance and catalyzing sustainable blue economy initiatives. Leaders will present innovative policies and financing strategies designed to attract investment and scale blue economy solutions—demonstrating how political will and targeted government action can mobilize capital for ocean health and coastal prosperity.
- Åsmund, GRØVER AUKRUST, Minister of International Development, Kingdom of Norway
- Carsten SCHNEIDER, Federal Minister of the Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Federal Government of Germany
- Albert VAN KLAVEREN, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Chile
- Pham MINH CHINH, Prime Minister, Socialist Republic of Vietnam
- HE Surangel WHIPPS JR., President of the Republic of Palau
- HE José Maria NEVES, President of the Republic of Cabo Verde
- Junhua LI, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations
12.30 - 13.00 CLOSING REMARKS OF THE BLUE ECONOMY AND FINANCE FORUM
- HRH William, Prince of Wales, United Kingdom
- HE Luiz Inácio LULA DA SILVA, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil
- HE Rodrigo CHAVES ROBLES, President of the Republic of Costa Rica
- HE Emmanuel MACRON, President of the French Republic
- HSH Prince Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco
TO DISCOVER DURING THE FORUM
BLUE INNOVATION HALL
10 innovative and impactful companies in the Blue Economy, spanning a wide range of sectors including solutions to plastic pollution, sustainable fishing and aquaculture, eco-friendly shipping and yachting, ocean data and intelligence.
ART EXHIBITION
In a striking call to action against climate change, photographer Gérard Rancinan presents a 1.80 x 2.90-meter-wide photograph.. Complementing this powerful visual, Caroline Gaudriault unveils an extraordinary book-installation, measuring 100 x 70 cm, displayed on a lectern like a ritualistic object. Together, their works form a compelling dialogue that highlights the urgent environmental challenges of our time while inviting deep reflection on humanity’s relationship with the planet and the actions needed to secure our future.
Raul Orvieto, a landscape designer and wildlife artist, is a Signature Member of the American Society of Animal Artists (SAA). His sculptures on display include Almost Blue (2022), Resilience, The Monster from the Abyss (Who is the real monster)(2022), Triple R Remastered (2021), which reflects the reduce, reuse, and recycle principles, and the evocative Zebra Shark.
Laure Hatchuel-Becker is committed to the conservation of endangered species and biodiversity. The animal world, the plant world, human beings, the planet are sources of inspiration for LHB. She invented the peak, a 3D extension of oil painting that has been characteristic of all her work for almost 25 years. The peak is the element that allows this emotional reconnection of humanity with the natural world and its deep animal nature.