The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is gearing up to host a significant edition of the World Ocean Summit, scheduled from 14th to 16th May 2024 near Amman at the Dead Sea. This regional conference, under the esteemed Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and in cooperation with the Aqaba Marine Park (AMP) initiative, is sponsored by the Government of Jordan and the Jordan Tourism Board. It marks a pivotal event in advancing discussions on ocean health and sustainable economic practices in the Middle East.

The summit is poised to attract over 200 distinguished attendees, including heads of state, political leaders, corporate executives, investors, and academics from around the globe. They will engage in robust discussions, share actionable insights, and explore sustainable solutions to balance oceanic preservation with economic interests.

An impressive lineup of speakers will grace the event, including Raed Abu-Soud, Jordan’s Minister of Water and Irrigation; Fanny Douvere of the UNESCO World Heritage Marine Programme; Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, a renowned professor from the University of Queensland; and Philippe Cousteau, co-founder of EarthEcho International. Their combined expertise will highlight crucial sustainability challenges and opportunities within the region’s marine ecosystems.

The agenda is meticulously crafted to cover critical topics such as climate change mitigation, innovative financing in marine conservation, the blue economy, and the latest in ocean-related technologies. This Middle Eastern edition of the summit is especially significant due to Jordan’s strategic location at the nexus of the Red Sea, providing a unique platform to propel the region’s blue economy forward.

In conjunction with the Aqaba Marine Park initiative, the summit also emphasizes education and technological applications to address broader oceanic and climate challenges. This includes the conservation of the resilient coral reefs and diverse marine life in the Gulf of Aqaba.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore Jordan’s rich natural and cultural heritage through optional tours to significant sites like the Holy Baptism site, Wadi Rum Protected Area, and the Aqaba Marine Nature Reserve. These excursions are designed to enrich the delegates’ experience, emphasizing Jordan’s commitment to environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.

Reflecting on the importance of this summit, His Excellency Mr. Nayef Al Fayez, Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, stated, "The Regional World Ocean Summit in Jordan is a testament to our proactive approach in environmental stewardship and sustainable development. It serves as a model for transforming regional challenges into opportunities that benefit the global community."

The Regional World Ocean Summit not only underscores Jordan’s role as a leader in marine conservation but also sets the stage for future collaborative efforts to safeguard the world’s oceans for generations to come.