In 2017, it was widely reported that Pacific island countries have taken a very proactive role at the UN Ocean Conference and the UN climate change conference. The Sustainable Development Goal 14.7 advocates that economic benefits for small island developing countries need to be enhanced. In this context, increasing attention is given to the promotion of “blue economy”, economic development through conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources in the context of achieving SDG 14. The 8th Pacific Island Leaders’ Meeting will be held in Iwaki, Fukushima in May 2018 and it is expected that Japan will play a locomotive role in forging international cooperation for the Pacific island countries.
　At the 150th Ocean Forum, it is a privilege to have experts and practitioners from Japan and the Pacific who are involved in the management of marine and coastal resources in Pacific island countries. It is intended to promote discussions on challenges, perspectives and the future direction of international cooperation.