GRIMALDI FORUM • MONACO : 28th > 29th May 2026
The Ocean's socio-economic and geopolitical significance is growing exponentially. An estimated investment of USD 175 billion is needed annually for the maritime economy to become sustainable and inclusive, with stronger cooperation of the private sector, governments, intergovernmental organisations, and civil society.
The Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) will showcase the key actors involved in developing the enabling environment that will allow investments in the millions and billions to make this blue transformation a reality.
The Blue Economy and Finance Forum is co-organised by
With the support of
The Blue Economy and Finance Forum
Protecting the ocean is a global responsibility, not only to preserve the planet’s largest carbon sink and diverse marine ecosystems, but also to support the livelihoods and economies that depend on it. For coastal nations, the ocean represents significant economic opportunities and a natural heritage. A sustainable and regenerative blue economy is essential to protect the ocean while fostering economic growth.
The OECD predicts the economic value of the ocean will surpass $3 trillion by 2030, making it the world’s fifth-largest economy. The ocean is crucial for global trade, food security, and the development of sustainable energy solutions such as offshore wind power and decarbonized maritime transport. Additionally, marine genetic resources present vast potential for sectors like medicine and agriculture. However, to realize this potential, international cooperation is needed to prevent resource depletion, slow ocean acidification, protect marine ecosystems, reduce overfishing, and curb ocean pollution. Ensuring fair access to the benefits of the blue economy and safeguarding marine resources is critical to creating a sustainable future.
Faced with the urgent need to protect the Ocean and fundamentally transform the economic models that depend on it, Monaco is increasingly a focal point for dialogue between international leaders in science, finance and public policy. Following the success of the 2025 Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF), Monaco will host the next edition of this major event on 28–29 May 2026 at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco. The format has been revised to build on the momentum achieved during the 2025 forum.
Organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, BEFF 2026 will bring together up to 300 participants from the public and private sectors, the finance sector, and the world of philanthropy. Over two days, policymakers, business leaders, investors, banks, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and international experts will discuss existing solutions to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and regenerative blue economy.
With its plenary sessions, exhibition space, pitch sessions from innovative companies, and side events, BEFF 2026 will both provide an opportunity to track the progress of the coalitions formed during the 2025 event and promote the emergence of new opportunities for cooperation and funding.
What are Blue Economy and Finance Forum’s concrete objectives?
By gathering experts, policymakers, investors and innovators from around the world, the Forum will highlight and promote the critical role that sustainable investment, cutting-edge innovation, and forward-thinking policies play in ensuring the long-term health and prosperity of our oceans and economies alike. The BEFF will serve as a platform to exchange ideas, foster collaboration, and showcase the latest developments in the blue economy, with a clear focus on creating a resilient and thriving ocean ecosystem that benefits present and future generations.
Programme
The programme of the Forum will be structured around four main themes, each addressed in a dedicated plenary session.
Financing the blue economy
Mobilising private capital at scale through blended finance and aligned incentives, expanding investment in emerging and coastal economies, and positioning the blue economy as a mature, impact-driven investment opportunity.
Shipping
Financing the transition to low-carbon shipping, improving regulatory clarity to reduce uncertainty, and accelerating capital deployment to position shipping as a key pillar of a resilient ocean economy.
Blue Foods
Positioning blue foods as a strategic lever for food security and growth, scaling investment in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries, and unlocking opportunities across global seafood value chains.
Anchoring the blue economy in the global financial system
Positioning the blue economy as an asset class, building scalable investment pipelines, integrating ocean considerations into finance, and directing capital towards measurable impact.
Complementing the main sessions, the Forum will also feature curated side events designed to facilitate cross-sector exchanges, providing participants with valuable networking and changemaking opportunities. Additionally, a Blue Innovation Hall which will showcase innovative solutions and technologies that pave the way for a regenerative blue economy will offer real examples of how the principles discussed at the Forum can be translated into scalable action.
Previous Editions
The Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF 2025) took place on 7 and 8 June 2025 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco as a special event of the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC). It was co-organised by the Government of Monaco, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, with support from France and Costa Rica, bringing together global policymakers, investors, innovators and leaders to accelerate financing for a sustainable and regenerative blue economy and to advance Ocean-related climate and development goals.
Contact
The BEFF Organising Committee is actively identifying key stakeholders and participants essential to driving forward the Blue Economy. Selected individuals and organisations will receive an official invitation with registration details for this event.
The Blue Economy and Finance Forum is co-organised by
In collaboration with
With the support of
