TOKYO, JAPAN – June 4, 2026 — Her Excellency President Hilda C. Heine attended the session “From Vision to Practice: Why Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM) Matters in Island States” during the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo.
The session brought together government leaders, international organizations, and ocean experts to discuss practical approaches to implementing sustainable ocean planning and management in island states. Keynote presentations were delivered by Hon. Wallace Cosgrow, Principal Minister and Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy of Seychelles; Dr. Tom Pickerell, Global Director of the Ocean Program at the World Resources Institute and Head of the Secretariat for the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy; and Mr. Julian Barbière, Head of Marine Policy and Regional Coordination at the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.
Discussions focused on advancing sustainable ocean planning and management to strengthen ocean governance, support sustainable development, and build resilience to climate change. President Heine’s participation reflects the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ commitment to sustainable ocean stewardship and practical, science-based approaches to managing and protecting ocean resources for future generations.
