President William Ruto has announced that Kenya will host the 11th edition of the Our Ocean Conference in 2026. This significant event follows a recent telephone conversation between President Ruto and former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, a founder of the conference. The Our Ocean Conference focuses on addressing critical ocean issues, including climate change, biodiversity loss, food security, and pollution.

In a related development, Kenya has signed the Global Ocean Treaty, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. This treaty aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Kenya’s commitment to this treaty underscores its dedication to global ocean governance and environmental stewardship.

These initiatives align with Kenya’s broader efforts to promote sustainable ocean management and address the challenges facing our oceans. By hosting the Our Ocean Conference and committing to international agreements like the Global Ocean Treaty, Kenya is positioning itself as a leader in global ocean conservation.

The upcoming conference in 2026 is expected to bring together world leaders, policymakers, scientists, and environmental advocates to discuss and implement solutions for the pressing issues affecting our oceans.