TOKYO, JAPAN – June 4, 2026 — Her Excellency President Hilda C. Heine attended the closing session of the Island States Ocean Summit, where leaders and partners reflected on key outcomes and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM) for island nations.
The closing session featured the release of the Co-Chairs’ Summary presented by H.E. President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. of Palau, Mr. Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, Ambassador Ryo Nakamura of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chair of The Nippon Foundation.
The Summit brought together representatives from 35 countries and more than 300 participants to address shared ocean challenges facing island states. Discussions focused on strengthening ocean governance, building climate resilience, improving access to financing, and advancing sustainable ocean-based economies through Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management.
President Heine’s participation throughout the Summit reflected the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ commitment to sustainable ocean stewardship, climate resilience, and international cooperation. The Summit concluded with a call for stronger partnerships, increased financing, improved access to science and data, and continued support for island states in implementing nationally led ocean planning and management initiatives. Looking ahead, the Marshall Islands welcomes the next Island States Ocean Summit to be convened five years from now.
