In a move that underscores Jamaica’s longstanding dedication to global ocean protection and climate action, Jamaica’s Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change Matthew Samuda will embark on a trip to coastal Kenya next month to take part in a landmark global environmental summit. From June 16 to 18, Samuda will join hundreds of international leaders and stakeholders in Mombasa and Kilifi counties for the 11th iteration of the Our Ocean Conference (OOC11), the first time this critical global gathering will be hosted on African soil.
Organized around the unifying theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” this year’s conference brings together heads of state, senior policymakers, leading marine scientists, and private and civil society stakeholders from across the globe. The core mission of the three-day event is to accelerate tangible, actionable progress on three interconnected priorities: protecting vulnerable ocean ecosystems, boosting coastal communities’ ability to withstand climate change impacts, and building an inclusive, sustainable blue economy that benefits both people and the planet.
In an official statement released by Jamaica’s Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change, the department outlined that Samuda’s attendance is far more than a diplomatic gesture—it is a clear reflection of Jamaica’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and cross-border cooperation on global climate and ocean challenges. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) on the frontlines of climate change and sea-level rise, Jamaica has long emerged as a leading voice for stronger global collaboration and increased targeted investment in marine protection. The country has consistently pushed for frameworks that not only safeguard critical ocean habitats but also generate equitable, long-term economic opportunities for the coastal communities that depend on healthy marine ecosystems for their livelihoods.
During his time at the conference, Samuda is scheduled to take part in a series of high-level plenary discussions focused on global ocean governance, as well as hold bilateral meetings with other ministers and stakeholder representatives. These engagements will center on strengthening international collaborative frameworks and showcasing the progress Jamaica has already made in advancing effective ocean governance and innovative environmental management practices.
The statement reaffirmed that the Jamaican government remains fully committed to advancing domestic policies that protect the country’s rich natural resources, while continuing to contribute meaningfully to global collective efforts to tackle the climate crisis and preserve the long-term health of the world’s shared oceans.