The World Ocean Council (WOC), the City of Barcelona and the Port of Barcelona are partnering to develop the leading global hub for the Blue Economy, which will now include the headquarters for WOC, the global Blue Economy Business and Investment Organization.
The World Ocean Council’s events and activities will complement the Blue Economy efforts in Barcelona, Spain and its port, as well as strengthen the city’s leadership commitments.
WOC’s Blue Economy events
To celebrate this new partnership, Barcelona will host the Sustainable Ocean Summit (SOS) 2022
To celebrate this new partnership, Barcelona will host the Sustainable Ocean Summit (SOS) 2022, which will take place from October 17 to October 18, 2022 and the inaugural global Blue Finance Summit (BlueFIN) 2022, scheduled to take place on October 19, 2022.
Anna Majó, the Innovation Director from Barcelona Activa and Leader of Blue Economy strategy in the city of Barcelona, Spain, said “This not only reaffirms the role of the city, as a capital of the Blue Economy with a Mediterranean projection, but positions the city globally.”
Innovation and sustainability in the maritime economy
Anna Majó adds, “With the impetus of the Blue Economy, Barcelona will continue to promote innovation and sustainability linked to the maritime economy, creating new economic opportunities, talent and employment for this seaside city.”
Santiago Garcia-Milà, the Deputy General Manager of Innovation and Business Strategy of the Port of Barcelona and former President of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) from 2015-21, has encouraged the entire port community (including more than 500 companies) to take advantage of this partnership, in order to boost the Blue Economy initiatives.
WOC’s Innovation Plan
Santiago Garcia-Milà stated, “Our new Innovation Plan sets up very ambitious goals, in terms of social and environmental sustainability for the Port of Barcelona. Collaboration and alliances are key. We believe the World Ocean Council headquarters at the Port area will boost cooperation within the Blue Economy ecosystem, with the Port area as its epicentre.”
Barcelona will be the place where industry, investors and innovators meet and work"
Paul Holthus, the World Ocean Council’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said “We are excited and honoured to be a part of Barcelona’s vision to develop the leading global Blue Economy centre, by hosting the WOC in this vibrant global port city.”
He adds, “Barcelona will be the place where industry, investors and innovators meet and work, to create leadership, collaboration and action, in support of a healthy ocean and corporate ocean responsibility.”
Sustainable Ocean Summit and Global Blue Finance Summit
Since 2010, the WOC’s Sustainable Ocean Summit (SOS) has been the only global, multi-industry gathering, developed by and for the business and investment community, with a focus on ocean sustainable development.
Sustainable Ocean Summit (SOS) 2019, with its theme of ‘Investing in Ocean Futures: Finance and Innovation for the Blue Economy’ is the most comprehensive global Blue Finance event, organised to date.
SOS 2019 gave rise to the 1st Global Blue Finance Summit (BlueFIN), which is scheduled to be held in Barcelona, Spain, in October 2022. Sustainable Ocean Summit (SOS) and Global Blue Finance Summit (BlueFIN) will continue to be held in key locations around the world, but will return to their new ‘home port’ in Barcelona, every 2 to 3 years.
