Co-hosted by the Embassies of France and Costa Rica, the MENA Oceans Initiative curates an invite-only session to establish regional priorities in the lead up to UN Ocean Conference 3 in Nice, France.
As the global focus on ocean sustainability intensifies ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) in June in France, the MENA Oceans Initiative, spearheaded by Goumbook, is set to host a critical regional event on February 13 this year in Riyadh, KSA.
Bringing together key policymakers, industry leaders, and scientific experts to shape regional contributions toward ocean governance, blue economies, and climate action.
This high-level, closed-door session is being led by both Ambassadors of France and Costa Rica, in partnership with MENA Oceans: An Initiative by Goumbook. Both countries are co-hosting the upcoming UN Ocean Conference in Nice in June 2025, and the MENA Oceans Initiative by Goumbook has been appointed as the Regional Mobilisation Hub by the presidential special envoy for France for UNOC3.
Ambassador Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, Special Envoye of the President of the French Republic for UNOC3 “As the world prepares for the upcoming UN Ocean Conference in Nice in June 2025 co-hosted by France and Costa Rice, we are paving the way for a new era of international ocean co-operation in the Middle East, with specific mobilisation in the region from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the wider region.
With strategic partners including UN Global Compact Saudi Arabia and AEON Collective; outreach partners including Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and Wave; and knowledge partner and organiser Boston Consulting Group; this invite-only session, titled “Towards Resilient Ocean and Coastal Futures”, will bring together high-level representatives from Arab ministries, regulatory authorities, UN bodies, scientists, and financiers to establish regional priorities and align ocean sustainability frameworks with key multilateral treaties such as the High Seas Treaty, Plastics Treaty, and Fisheries Treaty.
Discussion leaders include:
- Dr Mohammed Qurban, CEO, National Centre for Wildlife KSA
- Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder & MD, Goumbook; Chair, MENA Oceans Initiative
- Ashok Adicéam, Deputy Special Envoy to President of France for UNOC-3
- E. Ambassador Francisco Chacon Hernandez, Non-resident Ambassador of Costa Rica to KSA
- R.H. Princess Mashael Al Shalaan, Co-founder, AEON Collective
- R.H. Princess Noura T AlSaud, Co-founder, AEON Collective
- Yvonne Zhou, Managing Director & Senior Partner, BCG
“The policies we craft for ocean governance are part of a generational game of tag—each decision we make carries the responsibility forward, shaping the resilience of our waters and the legacy we leave behind. What we do to the oceans, we do to ourselves. This consultation is our opportunity to ensure the MENA region leads with purpose at UNOC-3, transforming policy into lasting planetary repair.” – -H.R.H Princess Mashael S AlShalan
“Mobilizing investment for ocean health demands innovative economic thinking that integrates it into mainstream financial markets. The right policies are critical to unlocking financial mechanisms that will allow the blue economy to thrive, securing prosperity and stability for generations to come.” – -H.R.H Princess Noura T AlSaud
This regional consultation curated by BCG, UNOC, and Goumbook, will gather insights from all stakeholders to drive action and investments into the blue economy and coastal ecosystems. The insights will be captured and published in an outcome paper partnership with the Boston Consulting Group.
The blue economy presents a unique opportunity for sustainable growth. By fostering innovation and cross-sectoral collaboration, we can drive economic growth while preserving rich biodiversity for future generations.”
– Yvonne Zhou, Managing Director & Senior Partner, BCG
A Unified Regional Effort Towards UNOC 3
This event is a key milestone in the MENA Oceans Initiative’s broader effort to mobilise multi-stakeholder collaborations ahead of UNOC 3 in Nice. Both events aim to drive policy recommendations, enhance science-led partnerships, and unlock financing opportunities for sustainable ocean economies.
Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder & Managing Director of Goumbook, and Chair of MENA Oceans Initiative, remarked, “These strategic dialogues are a testament to the MENA region’s growing leadership in ocean sustainability. By fostering collaborations between policymakers, scientists, and businesses, we can translate commitments into actionable and tangible outcomes that will shape the future of our ecosystems and coastal economies.”
Dr. Mohammed Qurban, CEO, National Center for Wildlife, remarked “The health of our oceans directly impacts the stability of our climate, economies, and food security. We cannot afford delays or fragmented efforts—marine conservation must be a global priority backed by concrete action. Saudi Arabia is committed to expanding marine protected areas, restoring marine habitats, and enriching their biodiversity, advancing scientific research, and working with international partners to drive real progress.
