The Seychelles delegation, led by the Secretary of State for Fisheries and Blue Economy, Mr. Alain de Commarmond and accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Blue Economy, Ms Veronique Nibourette, participated in the 2026 Global Ocean Development Forum held in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China, from the 16th to 18th of September 2026.
The Forum brought together government representatives, international organisations, marine experts, scientists and private sector stakeholders from around the world to exchange perspectives on developments and emerging opportunities in the global ocean economy. The 2026 edition was the third edition of the Forum and was jointly hosted by the People’s Government of Shandong Province and China’s Ministry of Natural Resources. According to the organisers, approximately 680 participants from 60 countries and regions attended the Forum.
Held under the theme “From Blue to Future – Developing a Sustainable Ocean Economy, Building a Beautiful and Bountiful Ocean Together”, the Forum provided a platform for discussions on the future of sustainable marine economic development, technological innovation and international ocean cooperation. The programme included a main forum, an Ocean Civilization Dialogue, four parallel forums and eight supporting activities covering areas including marine industries, marine science and technology, deep-sea development and ocean governance.
For Seychelles, participation in the Forum provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge and gain insights into developments across a range of Blue Economy fields, including innovation and technological development in marine-related industries, ocean energy, ocean governance and deep-sea exploration.
The Forum also provided an opportunity to highlight Seychelles’ experience and progress in Blue Economy development, ocean conservation and the sustainable use of marine resources. In recognition of Seychelles’ engagement in these areas, SS de Comarmond was invited, on behalf of Seychelles, to join other participating countries in the launch of the Global Initiative for the Ocean Decade Marine Public Welfare Action.
The initiative was launched during the Forum in support of international efforts under the ‘United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development’, with a focus on strengthening cooperation and mobilising action in areas including scientific knowledge, ecological conservation, public participation and the sustainable development of the ocean economy. Chinese and international reporting on the Forum identified the initiative as one of the key outcomes of the 2026 gathering.
Beyond the Forum, the Seychelles delegation was briefed on a planned 2027 East African Ocean Exploration Cruise, with Port Victoria expected to serve as the starting point. Discussions included the possibility of Seychelles benefiting from data collection and research generated during the cruise, presenting a potential opportunity for further scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange.
The delegation also undertook visits to several Chinese institutions, businesses and industries connected to the Blue Economy, including fish processing facilities, marine biotechnology enterprises and institutions involved in ocean governance and deep-sea research.
Among these was the National Deep Sea Center (NDSC) in Qingdao, a major Chinese platform supporting deep-sea scientific research and exploration. The Centre has been involved in international ocean research activities, including scientific expeditions in the Western Pacific and work under international programmes focused on deep-sea habitats and biodiversity.
The delegation also visited the Ocean Decade International Cooperation Center in China, which forms part of China’s engagement with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The Centre has supported international cooperation in ocean science, including initiatives connecting scientific research, education, capacity building and sustainable ocean development.
The engagements provided Seychelles with an opportunity to gain a broader understanding of China’s capabilities and ongoing developments across marine science, technology, industry and ocean governance, while identifying areas that could support future cooperation between the two countries.
The visit also reinforced the value of international partnerships in advancing sustainable ocean development. For Seychelles, a Small Island Developing State whose economy and environmental well-being are closely connected to the ocean, cooperation in marine science, innovation, research, technology and ocean governance remains an important component of efforts to strengthen the country’s Blue Economy.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy expresses its appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the invitation, hospitality and engagement extended to the Seychelles delegation. The Ministry values the opportunities provided through the Forum and the programme of engagements to strengthen understanding, exchange knowledge and explore areas of future cooperation between Seychelles and China in the sustainable development of the Blue Economy.
