The Nippon Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, inaugurated the Island States Ocean Summit. The event, held at Hotel New Otani Tokyo, saw participation from approximately 300 delegates, including heads of state, ministers, and experts from 35 countries across the Pacific, Caribbean, and Indian Ocean regions.
His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attended the opening ceremony, emphasizing Japan's commitment to supporting the summit's objectives. The summit aims to address the pressing issues faced by island states, such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events due to climate change.
Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chair of The Nippon Foundation, highlighted the necessity of global collaboration to tackle these challenges. He stated that the foundation is committed to enhancing its support for island states through the summit's outcomes. Crown Prince Haakon of Norway underscored the role of Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM) in fostering sustainable ocean economies and climate resilience.
H.E. Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau and Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States, expressed the urgency for international climate and ocean governance to meet the needs of the most vulnerable nations. He highlighted that small island states contribute less than one percent of global emissions but face the most severe impacts of global warming.
The summit's discussions are co-chaired by President Whipps, Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the IOC of UNESCO, and Yohei Sasakawa. The outcomes are expected to influence future international discussions on biodiversity, climate change, and ocean governance, including upcoming COP meetings and the 2027 Ocean Decade Conference.
On June 4, the summit will focus on practical measures and support mechanisms for island states to achieve conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources. The Nippon Foundation plans to announce a new ten-year action plan to strengthen support for island states, building on the Co-Chairs’ Summary to be released the same evening.
The Island States Ocean Summit is the first international summit dedicated specifically to oceans and island states. It seeks to develop new action plans that support the conservation of marine environments while enabling the sustainable use of ocean resources. The summit promotes collaboration among leaders from government, academia, industry, and the ocean community to explore pathways for the long-term resilience and self-reliance of Small Island Developing States.