As all eyes are turned on the negotiations underway at COP28, there is one particular point on the agenda to highlight. This Saturday, December 9, is COP’s designated Ocean Action Day and will be a key opportunity to emphasise the critical role of the ocean in the face of a shifting geopolitical and economic landscape and the interconnected climate and biodiversity crises. Ocean Action Day is COP’s chance to shine a light on the critical need to preserve the world’s oceans and for Africa and Europe to forge a new path forward as partners on ocean governance.

Strengthening ocean governance and the blue economy as a strategic domain for Africa-Europe cooperation would empower local communities on both continents while helping to accelerate climate mitigation and adaptation efforts and regenerate marine environments at scale. The majority of European Union and African Union Member States have coastlines, and a joint Africa Europe roadmap for an equitable blue partnership is both practical and essential to address the triple crises of climate, biodiversity and pollution.

COP28 is a moment to reflect on the unique opportunity to forge a collaborative path between Africa and Europe on ocean governance and deliver climate and biodiversity solutions.

As we look beyond COP to 2024, more key moments are set to be pivotal for international ocean treaties and renewed political leadership in both Africa and Europe. This crucial period for shaping a global agenda on ocean governance will continue into 2025, with both the 7th AU – EU Summit and the third United Nations Ocean Conference set to take place. Both continents stand at the threshold of unprecedented collaboration opportunities.