ST JAMES, Jamaica — Jamaica will host the 13th Our Ocean Conference in Montego Bay in June 2029.

Accepting the responsibility at the closing ceremony of the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change Matthew Samuda said Jamaica embraced the opportunity with “profound gratitude, humility and a deep sense of responsibility”.

“This is more than the acceptance of an event. It is the acceptance of a responsibility to the world’s oceans, to future generations, and to the billions of people whose lives, livelihoods, food security, culture, and prosperity depend on a healthy marine environment,” he said.

Samuda thanked the Government and people of Kenya for their hospitality and leadership in hosting the conference, which was held under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future”.

He noted that Montego Bay holds a special place in the history of global ocean governance, citing its role in the negotiations that culminated in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

“Montego Bay is not simply a beautiful coastal city. It is a place etched into the history of global ocean governance,” Samuda said.

The minister said Jamaica intends to stage a conference focused on implementation and measurable outcomes rather than commitments alone.

“The world does not need simply another conference; the world needs outcomes,” he said.

Samuda added that Jamaica looks forward to welcoming global leaders and stakeholders to Montego Bay in 2029 and working with Canada, which is set to host the next staging of the conference.

READ: Minister Samuda to attend 11th Our Ocean Conference in Kenya