Monaco is set to host the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) on June 7 and 8, 2025, just prior to the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice from June 9 to 13. This event, held under the patronage of Prince Albert II, seeks to engage the financial sector in the protection of the oceans by bringing together heads of state, public policymakers, investors, and sustainable development experts.

In a recent briefing, the forum's organizers outlined their ambitions and presented highlights of the program.

Pascal Lamy, former Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and Ilana Seid, Ambassador of Palau to the United Nations, will lead discussions focused on tangible outcomes rather than mere announcements.

Lamy remarked that the goal is to treat the hydrosphere as a valuable opportunity, emphasizing the need to halt oceanic degradation to promote the economic and social well-being of humanity.

Lamy further noted that there are currently $25 trillion in ready-to-deploy assets across energy, transportation, tourism, and biology sectors, and he estimates that $175 billion annually is necessary to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), compared to the current $25 billion being invested.

The BEFF expects to attract 1,500 participants and will be structured in three phases.

The first phase will spotlight around twenty successful initiatives chosen from over 200 applications, representing an investment of $25 billion.

The second phase aims to establish four to five coalitions that will introduce additional commitments in business, port activities, and philanthropy, showcasing the outcomes of the initial investments to inspire further action.

The third phase will set future objectives, with outcomes to be presented at the UNOC.

Olivier Poivre d'Arvor, France’s special envoy to the UN Ocean Conference, confirmed the interconnection of the BEFF and UNOC, stating that the two events were conceived together.

He emphasized that the BEFF serves as a foundational platform leading into the UNOC.

Notable participants at the BEFF will include Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, who will deliver the opening address; Costa Kadis, the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans; Arsenio Domínguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization; as well as business leaders from various sectors.

In an unprecedented move, the event will feature a private meeting between pension funds and sovereign funds, chaired by Prince Albert II and the World Economic Forum aboard OceanXplorer, a research vessel owned by billionaire Ray Dalio.

The forum will also tackle significant issues regarding ocean conservation, focusing on improving maritime transport efficiency, aquaculture, and sustainable fishing practices while minimizing environmental impact.

Simultaneously, Emmanuel Macron, the French President, is scheduled to visit Monaco for a state visit on June 7 and 8, coinciding with the BEFF.

He will meet with Prince Albert II and join discussions on sustainable blue economy projects.

This visit marks the first state visit by a French president to Monaco since François Mitterrand in 1984.

Further emphasizing generational engagement, an international drawing and writing competition organized by the association Nous les Ambitieuses will also take place on the same dates, encouraging the youth to connect with ecological challenges.

Supported by UNESCO and the Prince Albert II Foundation, this initiative aims to celebrate artistic talent while addressing environmental concerns.

The competition, which has attracted over 5,000 participants across 16 countries, will culminate in an exhibition showcasing 100 selected works in Monaco’s train station.

This effort aligns with broader support for youth involvement in ocean preservation and sustainability initiatives.