On June 8th, One Ocean Foundation celebrated World Oceans Day 2023 with an International Summit that gathered brilliant minds from different sectors to discuss the current state of the ocean.

The event, which counted with the participation of more than 500 people, was a great success among the speakers and audience. Distinguished personalities from the fields of science, institutions, business and finance shared their invaluable insights on ocean issues and threats and the pressing need to foster a blue economy, which is a sustainable economy that keeps the ocean and its resources safe for the future generations, by introducing new technologies and innovative solutions.

The Summit started with the remarks of Terry Garcia, Chief Science and Exploration Officer for the National Geographic Society. It included the participation of esteemed international experts, such as Carlos Duarte, Ralph Chami, Ted Janulis, Torsten Thiele, Kilaparti Ramakrishna, and Ruth Richardson, to discuss various topics, including the importance of Blue Natural Capital and the future of investing in Blue Carbon, biodiversity conservation, the contribution of cities and people to ocean sustainability and the ocean policies.

It was a great privilege to have Sylvia Earle, known as "Her Deepness," kick off the panel discussion on Hope Spots and marine biodiversity, where she emphasized the significance of connectivity and establishing a global network of marine protected areas to safeguard the ocean in support of the UN's 30x30 goal.

Small Islands States were also represented with the special participation of Hon. Kitlang Kabua, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, who emphasized the risks and hazards that small islands face due to the threats of climate change, such as sea level rise and daily coastal erosion.

Italian business experts such as Marco Tronchetti Provera, Marco Alverà and Mirella Vitale raised their voices to share insights on how the private sector can contribute to the sustainability of the ocean and what actions companies can implement to be more environmentally respectful.

Moreover, the Summit provided an ideal platform for the unveiling of the latest edition of the Business for Ocean Sustainability report, a joint effort by One Ocean Foundation, SDA Bocconi, and McKinsey & Co. This report builds on a multi-year-long research project exploring the link between business practices and ocean sustainability.