Financial Solutions for Underserved Ocean Economies

The Blue Economy and Finance Forum | 7 & 8 June, Monaco

Third United Nations Ocean Conference | 9 – 13 June, Nice, France

At UN Capital Development Fund we understand that the world’s oceans are vital to our planet’s future prosperity. That’s why at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum and the Third United Nations Ocean Conference, UNCDF will join with partners to drive transformational finance solutions that respond to both local needs and global development targets. We want to close the ocean finance gap with scalable, de-risked models that can unlock capital at the pace and scale required for a sustainable ocean-based economy. Ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), we’re working with partners, because ocean finance is development finance.

We’ll be highlighting achievements to date with:

  • the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), a joint initiative with UNDP and UNEP. Through GFCR, UNCDF has helped mobilize over USD $240 million in grant and investment capital to support reef-positive enterprises across 21 countries. The Fund provides a working model for how catalytic capital can de-risk investment, unlock private finance, and scale market-based solutions that protect marine ecosystems and support coastal livelihoods. GFCR showcases how blended finance can be structured for both environmental impact and financial viability in the ocean economy.
  • the Plastics Transition Investment Facility (PTIF) alongside IFC and UNEP, UNCDF is mobilizing private capital for high-impact solutions across the plastics value chain. By financing upstream innovation, circular business models, and infrastructure for reuse and recycling, the Facility is designed to drive environmental and social outcomes at scale. UNCDF brings its deep expertise in structuring financial architecture, managing secretariat functions, and deploying catalytic capital to ensure the PTIF is built for inclusive, effective, and scalable investment—particularly in underserved markets.

Agenda

Dates
Event Type
Saturday, June 7
Picture for 'Coral Reef-Positive Finance: Protecting Earth’s Climate Refugia' event
Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF)
Coral Reef-Positive Finance: Protecting Earth’s Climate Refugia
Bosio Room, Level Two Grimaldi Forum
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
An event to examine the persistent disconnect between available capital and the needs of reef-positive solutions based on examples from Tanzania, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Brazil, and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The event will conclude with a high-level interactive panel exploring why coral reef solutions remain under-invested and how to close the gap between capital supply and real-world needs.
Picture for 'Tackling Plastic Pollution and promoting circularity with finance' event
Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF)
Tackling Plastic Pollution and promoting circularity with finance
Poulenc, Grimaldi Forum
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
The landscape of plastic pollution and its financial implications are evolving fast. This session aims to bridge the gap between the financial sector and efforts to mitigate plastic pollution by highlighting the role of innovative financing solutions, regulatory changes, and strategic investments.
Picture for 'Blended Finance, One Ocean Finance: Financing a Regenerative & Sustainable Blue Economy' event
Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF)
Blended Finance, One Ocean Finance: Financing a Regenerative & Sustainable Blue Economy
Grimaldi Forum
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
As the value of the ocean economy is set to double between 2015 and 2030, reaching $3 trillion annually, the world faces an urgent need to finance solutions that protect ocean health, support sustainable industry, and build resilience in coastal communities. This high-level dialogue will convene public, private, and civil society actors to explore how innovative financial mechanisms can help close the estimated $175 billion annual SDG 14 finance gap while unlocking the full potential of the ocean as a global asset.
Sunday, June 8
Picture for 'Plenary Session 4: Ensuring Sustainable Ocean Governance and Finance' event
Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF)
Plenary Session 4: Ensuring Sustainable Ocean Governance and Finance
Room 5, Blue Zone
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Unlocking ocean finance and catalysing sustainable blue economy initiatives. Leaders will present innovative policies and financing strategies designed to attract investment and scale blue economy solutions—demonstrating how political will and targeted government action can mobilize capital for ocean health and coastal prosperity.
FULL DETAILS:
Monday, June 9
Picture for 'Blue Tourism: Advancing Sustainable and Resilient Ocean Economies for People and Planet' event
Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)
Blue Tourism: Advancing Sustainable and Resilient Ocean Economies for People and Planet
Room 5, Blue Zone
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Tourism is the largest ocean-based sector, accounting for 33% of the blue economy. In SIDS, tourism exports contribute 30-85% of the total GDP, nearly three times the global average. The event will explore how circular approaches and climate action can transform ocean tourism and enhance resilience, by addressing pollution, reducing emissions and investing in the protection of carbon sinks.
Picture for 'UN Global Compact G20 Oceans Session' event
Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)
UN Global Compact G20 Oceans Session
Room 4, Blue Zone
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM
South Africa’s Ocean20 initiative convenes stakeholders from academia, industry, government, and civil society to co-develop solutions to pressing ocean challenges. The aim is to ensure these actions are impactful, inclusive, fundable, and leave a lasting legacy for South Africa, Africa, and G20 partners.
Tuesday, June 10
Picture for 'UNOC Ocean Action Panel 3 - Mobilizing Finance for Ocean Actions in Support of SDG 14' event
Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)
UNOC Ocean Action Panel 3 - Mobilizing Finance for Ocean Actions in Support of SDG 14
Room TBC, Blue Zone
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
A high-level session to explore the challenges and opportunities of advancing sustainable ocean economies through innovative and systemic financing solutions. With the adoption of frameworks like the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the upcoming Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Treaty), there is momentum to align international goals with robust mechanisms that drive sustainable ocean investment.
Wednesday, June 11
Picture for 'SDG Media Zone: Ocean finance panel' event
Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)
SDG Media Zone: Ocean finance panel
SDG Media Zone
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
A 30 min live panel of experts, including Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, Executive Secretary UNCDF, examine opportunities for unlocking finance at scale for SDG14. Watch online.