On March 12, the Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation hosted a discussion to exchange views on advancing system change in the ocean sector. The meeting brought together stakeholders engaged in ocean innovation, impact investment, and ecosystem development.

The session welcomed Mr. Peter Bryant, Managing Director of the Ocean Program at Builders Vision, and Mr. Sindre Østgård, Partner at We Are Human. From the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, participants included Executive Director Eiji Sakai, Director Atsushi Watanabe, Division of Ocean Vision and Action of OPRI, and Senior Research Fellows Shigeki Takaya and Michael Huang. With participation from the Social Innovation and Investment Foundation (SIIF), the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on international developments in the ocean sector and to explore potential avenues for future collaboration.
 
During the discussion, participants shared perspectives on global trends related to the blue economy and the development of ocean innovation ecosystems. The discussion also highlighted the role of impact-oriented capital and cross-sector collaboration in addressing complex challenges in the ocean domain.

Participants further underscored the importance of adopting a systems approach that connects multiple fields—including science, policy, entrepreneurship, and finance—to advance solutions in the ocean sector. The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on possible directions for initiatives aimed at realizing a new, sustainable and resilient ocean economy.