The "Our Ocean Conference" (OOC) was launched in 2014 by former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and has since become one of the highest-level platforms for dialogue in global ocean governance. Unlike typical international conferences, the core of the OOC lies in mobilizing governments, civil society, and the private sector to make voluntary "Commitments"—allocating concrete financial and technical resources to address the ocean crisis.

 

The conference focuses on six areas of action: Marine Protected Areas, Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Pollution, Climate Change (the ocean-climate nexus), Maritime Security, and a Sustainable Blue Economy. With a strict invitation-only policy and a focus on action-oriented, high-level leadership, the OOC serves as a critical benchmark for nations to demonstrate their maritime diplomatic influence and tangible contributions.