Sheikha Shamma Advocates for Urgent Investments in Ocean Sustainability

During her speech at the second annual Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) 2026 in Monaco, Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan called for heightened global investment in the sustainability of the oceans and climate resilience, urging industry leaders, investors, and governments to accelerate the transition towards a regenerative blue economy.

Sheikha Shamma underscored the indispensable role that oceans fulfill in supporting life, diverse economies, and global environmental health. She argued that safeguarding marine ecosystems is both a moral obligation and economically vital.

The forum was graced by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco and Catherine Chabaud, France’s Minister of State for Ecological Transition and International Climate and Nature Negotiations. This event gathered representatives from various sectors, including governments, philanthropic organizations, and financial institutions, to deliberate on ways to increase investment in sustainable oceanic initiatives.

Hosted by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, under the auspices of Prince Albert II, the forum aimed at enhancing financial frameworks and collaborations that promote the shift towards a sustainable blue economy while protecting marine ecosystems for future generations.

In her keynote, Sheikha Shamma articulated that oceans should be recognized not merely as economic assets, but as universal responsibilities that are essential to life on Earth. She emphasized that genuine progress necessitates long-term commitment and innovative solutions that can effectively counteract the increasing impacts of climate change.

She also pointed out that investment is not limited to financial resources; it also encompasses time, expertise, and collaborative initiatives directed towards developing innovative, sustainable solutions that yield lasting environmental and economic advantages. She warned of the urgent need for continuous momentum in climate action as environmental challenges escalate.

Prince Albert II of Monaco reinforced Sheikha Shamma's message by highlighting the escalating investment opportunities in ocean-centric projects and sustainable marine sectors. He noted that formerly existing obstacles to investment in ocean sustainability are being dismantled, paving the way for fresh capital to foster conservation and innovative economic growth. He emphasized that procrastination could escalate environmental and economic repercussions for future generations.

The forum marks a progression in the collaboration between Frontier25 and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, cemented by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2026 during the Ocean Innovators Platform alongside Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. This framework aims to promote sustainability objectives through innovative investment in ocean initiatives and blue finance.

This venture aligns with the UAE’s overarching environmental goals, including significant marine conservation initiatives led by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, which aims to restore four million coral colonies by 2030, recognized as the largest coral rehabilitation project in the world.

Conversations at BEFF 2026 reaffirmed a growing global consensus on the necessity of sustainable investment, innovation, and collaboration across sectors as crucial for protecting the world’s oceans while unlocking new economic pathways. As attention shifts globally towards climate resilience and environmental stewardship, forum leaders emphasized that decisive actions taken today will significantly influence the health and prosperity of generations to come.