Melanesian Ocean Summit 2026
Melanesian Ocean Summit 2026

Melanesian Ocean Summit 2026

Protecting our Ocean, Sustaining our Future

11–14 May 2026 · Apec Haus, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

35+

Speakers

15+

Sponsors

35+

Exhibitors

500+

Delegates

20+

Countries

About the Melanesian Ocean Summit 2026

The Melanesian Ocean Summit 2026 is conceived as the first dedicated platform to elevate Melanesian leadership in ocean stewardship, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience and strengthened regional cooperation. As global attention intensifies on the health of our oceans, the role of Melanesian nations — who are collectively stewards of one of the world’s most biodiverse and resource-rich marine environments — has never been more critical and strategically significant.

Summit Key Areas of Focus

Six interconnected pillars guiding MOS26 dialogue, research, and commitment.

🐌

Marine Conservation & Biodiversity Protection

Safeguarding Melanesia's extraordinary marine biodiversity through science-led conservation strategies, expanded marine protected areas, and ecosystem restoration.

🌊

Climate Change & Rising Sea Levels

Building climate resilience for coastal communities and small island nations facing existential threats from rising seas, coral bleaching, and ocean warming.

🐟

Sustainable Fisheries & Blue Economy Growth

Harnessing the wealth of Melanesian waters through sustainable fisheries management, responsible blue economy development, and fair benefit-sharing frameworks.

🚫

Ocean Pollution & Waste Management

Tackling the plastic pollution crisis and developing regional frameworks for waste reduction, marine debris clean-up, and pollution prevention at source.

🏝

Community-Based Coastal Protection

Empowering coastal communities as frontline guardians of ocean ecosystems through traditional knowledge, community tenure rights, and modern conservation tools.

📜

Regional Policy Collaboration & Governance

Strengthening Melanesian regional cooperation on ocean governance, policy alignment, and international advocacy for a rules-based ocean order.

Summit Schedule

Conference Programme

4 days of keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking — 11–14 May 2026

11 May

Day 1 — Opening Ceremony & Keynotes

Monday, 11 May 2026

08:00

09:00

Networking

Registration & Welcome Coffee

Main Foyer, Apec Haus

09:00

10:00

Ceremony

Official Opening Ceremony

Main Plenary Hall

10:00

10:45

Keynote Climate Change & Rising Sea Levels

Keynote: The State of Melanesian Oceans

Main Plenary Hall

10:45

11:15

Break / Meal

Morning Tea Break

Main Foyer

11:15

12:00

Keynote Regional Policy Collaboration & Governance

Keynote: Blue Pacific — Regional Ocean Governance Frameworks

Main Plenary Hall

12:00

13:30

Break / Meal

Lunch Break & Networking

Dining Hall

13:30

15:00

Panel Discussion Marine Conservation & Biodiversity Protection

Panel: Climate Change & Rising Sea Levels — Frontline Perspectives

Main Plenary Hall

15:00

15:30

Break / Meal

Afternoon Tea Break

Main Foyer

17:00

19:00

Networking

Welcome Reception & Cultural Evening

Apec Haus Gardens

MOS26 Partners

Our Partners

Supporting Partner
VirtualFlex PNG