Goumbook, a prominent social enterprise dedicated to promoting sustainability and climate action in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is set to host its 2nd Annual MENA Oceans Summit at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi.
The summit aims to bring together a diverse array of stakeholders to deliberate on crucial aspects of ocean health across four key pillars: Blue Economy, Blue Governance, Blue Science, and Blue Collective, with the objective of fostering dialogue and collaborative action.
Scheduled as a precursor to UN Ocean Conference 2025 (UNOC 2025), the summit will gather regional perspectives and build upon the outcomes of the 2023 MENA Oceans summit and COP28.
Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion, COP28, and IUCN President, emphasized the significance of the summit as a unique platform facilitating regional collaboration to address marine issues pertinent to the MENA region. The summit has garnered the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, with Marwan Abdulla Alzaabi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Regions Sector, affirming the UAE's commitment to preserving marine ecosystems and driving the nation's blue economy.
Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder of Goumbook and Chair of MENA Oceans Summit, underscored the imperative of responsible stewardship and collective action in safeguarding the ocean's health for the benefit of future generations.
The summit's objectives include forging cross-border collaboration for targeted solutions and unifying diverse stakeholder voices across the region to enhance participation in global ocean conservation efforts. Industry deep dives and strategic round table discussions will explore challenges, innovations, and opportunities to mitigate the sector's impact on ocean ecosystems.
The summit will also activate the MENA Oceans Network, aligning with the momentum generated since the 2023 Summit and COP28's action for Oceans. With its interdisciplinary approach, emphasis on innovation and technology, community engagement, and commitment to partnerships, the MENA Oceans Initiative aims to drive positive change in the region and beyond.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
