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, the international forum is themed “From Blue to Future: Developing a Sustainable Ocean Economy and Building a Beautiful and Abundant Ocean Together.” This year’s forum has adopted a new “1+1+4+8” program, featuring an opening ceremony and main forum, an Ocean Civilization Dialogue, four parallel forums and eight supporting events.
The opening ceremony and main forum were held on the morning of September 17, with participants sharing insights on such cutting-edge topics as marine economic development, scientific and technological innovation, AI empowerment and blue finance. The main forum will unveil four authoritative outcomes, including the China Ocean Development Index 2026 and the World Ocean Economy Development Report 2026, providing data and intellectual support for the development of the marine economy in China and around the world.
The Ocean Civilization Dialogue, held in the afternoon, will showcase the latest practices and achievements in marine culture, port development, ecological conservation, heritage preservation and the integrated development of culture and tourism. The event will also provide a high-level platform for exchanges and mutual learning among different marine civilizations.
Four parallel forums will be held from the afternoon of September 17 through September 18. Focusing on global trends in ocean development and the realities of Shandong’s marine economy, the forums will explore key topics including marine industries, marine science and technology, deep-sea development and ocean governance. More than 50 innovative outcomes and best-practice cases will be released or promoted during the forums.
Eight supporting events will also take place alongside the main program, including the National Symposium on Marine Affairs, the China–South Asia Ocean Symposium and a Training Program on Innovative Development of the Marine Economy for Developing Countries. Together, these activities will cover high-level consultations, academic exchanges, industry matchmaking, talent attraction and development, international training, and public outreach and science popularization.
The Global Ocean Development Forum has been held successfully twice, with this year marking its third edition. It has developed into an important platform for deepening international cooperation and exchanges in the marine sector, promoting the development of the marine economy, advancing marine science and technology innovation, and contributing to global ocean governance.
Editor: Li Xunxiang/ Wang Yulin
