Post by : Badri Ariffin

At the second annual Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) 2026 in Monaco, Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan called for an increased global focus on investing in ocean sustainability and climate resilience. She challenged governments, investors, and industry leaders to propel efforts toward creating a sustainable and regenerative blue economy.

In her address, Sheikha Shamma underscored the vital importance of oceans in sustaining life, boosting economies, and maintaining environmental stability. She insisted that safeguarding marine ecosystems is an economic imperative as well as a communal obligation.

The forum, attended by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco and France’s Minister of State for Ecological Transition and Biodiversity, Catherine Chabaud, attracted a diverse group including government representatives, financial organizations, and philanthropic entities to discuss accelerating investment in ocean-centric solutions.

Hosted by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco under Prince Albert II's patronage, the forum prioritized the advancement of financial mechanisms that bolster the transition to a sustainable blue economy while protecting marine ecosystems for the future.

Sheikha Shamma emphasized viewing oceans not merely as economic assets but as collective global responsibilities essential for sustaining life on Earth. She argued that substantial advancements require not only long-term investment but also innovation and commitment to environmental solutions aimed at addressing the escalating effects of climate change.

Moreover, she stressed that investment is more than just financial; it encompasses the dedication of time, expertise, and collaborative action to create innovative strategies yielding long-term environmental and economic gains. She warned against complacency, noting that ongoing environmental challenges necessitate immediate, unified actions.

Prince Albert II supported her statements, pointing to the rising opportunities for investment in ocean-related initiatives and sustainable marine industries. He noted that barriers once hindering investments in ocean sustainability are dissipating, opening paths for capital that supports conservation, innovation, and economic growth. However, he cautioned that procrastinating would lead to increased environmental and economic costs for future generations.

The forum builds upon a growing partnership between Frontier25 and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding in January 2026 during the Ocean Innovators Platform at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. This agreement created a collaborative framework aimed at promoting sustainability through impact investment, ocean innovation, and blue finance initiatives.

This partnership aligns with the UAE’s wider environmental strategies and ongoing marine conservation projects. Noteworthy initiatives include the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi's ambitious plan to restore four million coral colonies by 2030, recognized as the world's largest coral rehabilitation effort, essential for protecting marine biodiversity and strengthening ecosystem resilience.

BEFF 2026’s discussions reiterated the broadening international recognition that sustainable investment, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration are imperative for safeguarding our oceans and generating new economic prospects. As the global focus shifts increasingly towards climate resilience and environmental sustainability, forum leaders highlighted that the choices made today will significantly impact the health and prosperity of future generations.

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