2026 Global Ocean Development Forum Opens in Qingdao West Coast New Area

The grand gathering returned to the shores of the Yellow Sea as the 2026 Global Ocean Development Forum opened on September 17 in Qingdao West Coast New Area.

Approved by the State Council and jointly hosted by the Shandong Provincial People’s Government and the Ministry of Natural Resources, this major international forum is themed Let's Sea Our Futures — Developing a Sustainable Marine Economy for a Thriving Ocean. This year’s programme follows a new 1+1+4+8 format, featuring an opening ceremony and main forum, a Dialogue on Ocean Civilization, four parallel forums and eight supporting events.

The opening ceremony and main forum were held on the morning of September 17 with speakers sharing their insights on emerging areas including ocean economic development, technological innovation, AI-enabled development and blue finance. The main forum will see the release of four authoritative reports and research findings, including the World Ocean Economy Development Report 2026 and the 2026 China Ocean Development Index, to provide data and intellectual support for the development of the ocean economy in China and around the world. The Dialogue on Ocean Civilization, also to be held that afternoon, will showcase practical achievements in marine culture, port development, ecological conservation, heritage preservation and the integration of culture and tourism.

Four parallel forums will being held from the afternoon of September 17 through September 18, focusing on key topics including marine industries, marine science and technology, deep-sea development and ocean governance, in line with global trends in ocean development and the realities of Shandong’s marine economy, alongside the release and showcase of more than 50 innovative achievements and representative case studies. Eight supporting events will also being held alongside the forum, including a national symposium on marine affairs, the China–South Asia Marine Seminar and a training programme on innovative ocean economic development for developing countries. Together, they provide a broad platform covering high-level consultations, academic exchanges, industry matchmaking, talent development and recruitment, international training, and public science outreach.

Following two successful editions before with this year marking its third, the Global Ocean Development Forum has become an important platform for deepening marine cooperation and exchanges, advancing the ocean economy, promoting marine scientific and technological innovation, and strengthening global ocean governance.

Source：english.qingdao.gov.cn