The fifth annual Our Ocean Conference was held in Bali, Indonesia on October 29 and 30, 2018. This conference, which began in 2014, provides an opportunity for heads of state and other national representatives along with leaders of international organizations, research institutes, and NGOs, to gather together in a single venue to discuss ocean problems and announce their commitments to solving them.

The Plenary Session for the Sustainable Blue Economy took place on October 30, during which Dr. Atsushi Sunami, president of the Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (OPRI-SPF) and executive director of SPF, gave a speech as part of the panel discussion. His presentation covered topics including sustainable development through conservation, the sustainable use of oceans and coastal resources, as well as efforts for the realization of the Blue Economy. In addition, he focused on local community revitalization, introducing examples of Japanese efforts conducted with related organizations and other countries. He highlighted the need to identify the various factors of success and enablers for effective results, and also commented on the importance of international cooperation.

The panel, which was moderated by World Resources Institute (WRI) Senior Fellow Justin Mundy, saw a lively discussion on topics such as effective policy implementation, financial mechanisms, and international cooperation. Additional participants included H.E. Vincent Meriton, Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles; H. E. Premdut Koonjoo, Minister of Ocean Econ., Marine Resources, Fisheries, and Shipping of the Republic of Mauritius; and heads of intergovernmental agencies including Laura Tuck, World Bank Vice President for Sustainable Development.

In addition, OPRI-SPF hosted a parallel event on October 29 entitled "Strategies for Promoting Blue Economy – Innovation and Partnership Development," with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region. H.E. Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau; H.E. F. U. Sengebau, Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism of Palau; and other high-level representatives of the Governments of Palau and Indonesia attended the event and engaged in rich discussions on strategies for promoting a blue economy in the region and developing international partnerships.

*For a transcript of Dr. Sunami's speech delivered during the Conference, please see here.