Jamaica Selected to Host 2029 Our Ocean Conference in Montego Bay

2029 Our Ocean Conference to Bring Global Ocean Leaders to Montego Bay

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA — Jamaica has been selected to host the 13th Our Ocean Conference in 2029, marking a significant milestone in the country’s leadership on ocean conservation, climate action, and sustainable development.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the achievement on Thursday, noting that Jamaica officially accepted the honour during the closing stages of the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya.

Representing Jamaica at the event, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda, formally accepted the hosting responsibility on behalf of the Government and People of Jamaica.

“Jamaica will be the official host of the 13th Our Ocean Conference in Montego Bay in 2029,” Holness said in a statement shared on social media.

Montego Bay’s Historic Connection to Ocean Governance

In accepting the role, Samuda highlighted Montego Bay’s unique place in international maritime history.

The city is widely associated with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), often referred to as the “Montego Bay Convention,” which established the legal framework governing the world’s oceans.

According to Holness, Samuda emphasized the importance of turning global commitments into meaningful action as nations confront growing environmental challenges.

“Minister Samuda highlighted Montego Bay’s historic role in global ocean governance and emphasized the importance of turning ambition into action as the world works to address climate change, biodiversity loss, marine pollution, and other threats facing our seas,” Holness stated.

Jamaica will be the official host of the 13th Our Ocean Conference in Montego Bay in 2029.

Representing the Government and People of Jamaica, Minister Matthew Samuda accepted the honour yesterday in Mombasa, Kenya, reaffirming Jamaica’s commitment to protecting and sustainably… pic.twitter.com/fc8KbUIx47

— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) June 18, 2026

Global Platform for Ocean Protection

Since its launch in 2014, the Our Ocean Conference has become one of the world’s leading forums focused on marine conservation and sustainable ocean management.

The conference brings together governments, scientists, environmental organizations, private sector leaders, and international institutions to advance solutions for ocean-related challenges.

Issues typically addressed include:

• Climate change and ocean resilience
• Marine biodiversity protection
• Plastic and marine pollution
• Sustainable fisheries
• Maritime security
• The blue economy

Conference organizers report that previous gatherings have generated thousands of commitments worth billions of dollars toward ocean sustainability initiatives worldwide.

Jamaica’s Commitment to Sustainable Oceans

The selection of Jamaica reflects the country’s growing role in regional and international environmental leadership.

Samuda described the hosting opportunity as both an honour and a responsibility, underscoring the importance of protecting marine resources for future generations and for the millions of people whose livelihoods depend on healthy oceans.

The conference is expected to bring international attention to Jamaica’s marine conservation efforts while creating opportunities for collaboration on climate resilience, sustainable tourism, fisheries management, and ocean-based economic development.

Looking Ahead to 2029

Before Jamaica hosts the event in 2029, the next edition of the Our Ocean Conference is expected to take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2027.

Jamaica’s successful bid positions Montego Bay at the centre of global discussions on ocean sustainability and reinforces the country’s reputation as a leader in environmental stewardship throughout the Caribbean.

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