Global leaders, policymakers, scientists and conservation advocates are gathered in Mombasa, Kenya, for the 2026 Our Ocean Conference.
The high-level gathering is focused on tackling some of the biggest threats facing the world's oceans, including climate change, marine pollution, biodiversity loss and illegal fishing, while also exploring opportunities within the blue economy.
NBC's Richolene ǂOuses and cameraman Keanan Campbell attended the opening ceremony and filed this report.
"The 2026 Our Ocean Conference has officially opened in Mombasa, Kenya, bringing together global leaders and stakeholders to discuss solutions for protecting marine ecosystems and advancing the blue economy. Here's a look at the key messages from the opening ceremony."
The founder of the Our Ocean Conference is John Kerry.
"The ocean has actually been acting as Earth's life support system. And it's been protecting us. And the question before us as we come here to Kenya for this important meeting is whether we are willing to protect the ocean in return. Because the ocean is sending us a very, very clear message. The science is no longer warning us about a future problem. The science is describing a present reality."
Hassan Ali Joho is Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs.
"The ocean faces unprecedented pressure from climate change, marine pollution, biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, unsustainable exploitation of marine resources, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. This, however, was critical opportunities for us to address immediate economic, social and security aspects affecting livelihoods, food security, and resilient and sustainable development."
Kenya's Deputy President, Professor Kithure Kindiki, adds, "I hope this edition will meet the standards, the dreams and aspirations of the founders of this institute and will build on the successes of previous conferences to strengthen cooperation and accelerate implementation, to create synergy, and also to make sure that we promote policy coherence, boost scalability of action, and secure the positive impact that we look for."
"I have three requests. First, help us protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 with the financing, technology, and enforcement that meaningful protection demands. Second, invest in us. Bring capital that builds industries, dignifies work, and restores the ecosystems on which prosperity depends. Third, stand with us against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing," says Kenya's William Ruto.
"Those were some of the highlights from the opening ceremony of the Our Ocean Conference. Discussions continue over the coming days, with delegates expected to announce new commitments and partnerships aimed at safeguarding the future of the world's oceans."