President William Ruto has announced that Kenya will host the 11th edition of the Our Ocean Conference in June 2026, marking the first time the global forum will be held on African soil.
Speaking after meeting John Kerry, former U.S. Secretary of State and founder of the conference, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Ruto said the gathering will take place at the Coast under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future.”
“This historic milestone offers Africa the opportunity to shape the global ocean agenda for the next decade,” Ruto said, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to ocean protection and sustainable use of blue resources.
The President noted that Kenya is keen on protecting marine ecosystems, expanding the blue economy, and ensuring the ocean continues to provide prosperity for generations.
He emphasized that the 2026 conference will showcase Africa’s leadership in ocean action while mobilizing nations and partners to strengthen collaboration on climate resilience, conservation, and sustainable growth.
The Our Ocean Conference, first held in 2014, has grown into a key international platform for advancing commitments to protect oceans, curb pollution, combat illegal fishing, and address the impacts of climate change on marine resources.
