The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, has brought global leaders together under the theme “Cooperation in the Smart Age.” This year’s discussions place particular emphasis on the oceans, with panels and bilateral meetings exploring how sustainable ocean management can shape the global agenda for climate action and economic resilience.

One of the high-profile panels at the forum, “Turning Commitments into Actions,” will focus on translating global pledges into tangible steps for sustainable ocean governance. The session brings together prominent figures, including John F. Kerry, U.S. Presidential Climate Envoy, Richard Brisius, President of The Ocean Race, and Katie Wood, a leading voice on ocean conservation from the World Resources Institute. Greek MP and Chair of the Hellenic Parliament’s Environmental Protection Committee, Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, will moderate the panel, emphasizing the importance of connecting policy to real-world outcomes.

This discussion aligns with Greece’s leadership in ocean sustainability efforts. In 2024, Greece hosted the 9th Our Ocean Conference at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens, an event widely recognized as a resounding success. With over 3,500 participants from 130 countries, the conference resulted in 471 new commitments valued at $11.3 billion. These included groundbreaking initiatives to reduce plastic pollution, promote sustainable coastal tourism, and advance green shipping in the Mediterranean.

As part of its commitment, Greece pledged €780 million toward 21 targeted measures, such as the establishment of two new marine parks and a ban on trawling in all marine protected areas. Additional steps included launching a Decarbonization Fund for the Greek islands and fostering the role of women in the Blue Economy. These actions reflect a broader strategy to protect the Mediterranean and ensure its resilience against climate change.

Davos also features discussions on Blue Innovation, a concept that integrates cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices in maritime sectors like fisheries, aquaculture, and marine biotechnology. A panel organized by Monaco, “Harnessing Blue Innovation for a More Sustainable Economy,” highlights the growing importance of collaboration between nations. Speakers such as Olivier Wenden, Vice President of the Prince Albert II Foundation of Monaco, Bertrand Piccard, founder of the Solar Impulse Foundation, and Dr. Avgerinopoulou emphasizes the role of cross-border innovation in achieving sustainability goals.

Greece and Monaco share a strong partnership in advancing the Blue Economy, prioritizing maritime biodiversity, green technologies, and sustainable tourism. Their combined efforts illustrate a shared vision for leveraging ocean resources responsibly, ensuring economic growth while preserving ecosystems for future generations.

The conversations in Davos this year reflect a growing recognition of the oceans as a critical player in global sustainability efforts. By fostering collaboration, investing in innovation, and implementing concrete policies, the international community is taking decisive steps to turn commitments into actions.