The ocean is in crisis resulting from climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and unsustainable resource use. Simultaneously, expanding ocean-dependent economic activity is intensifying competition for marine space and resources. These pressures are felt most acutely by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other island states, whose economies, food security, cultures, and resilience are deeply dependent on healthy and productive ocean ecosystems. This underscores the need for integrated, evidence-based approaches that balance ecological, social, cultural, and economic priorities and that value local, Indigenous, and traditional knowledge.

Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM) has emerged as a strategic and practical  framework to align policies, reduce fragmentation across sectors and institutions and guide equitable and sustainable use, conservation and restoration of ocean resources for present and future generations.

The Island States Ocean Summit

Held in Tokyo, Japan, on 3-4 June 2026, the Island States Ocean Summit was convened to accelerate the development and implementation of climate-resilient Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management in island states. It was hosted by The Nippon Foundation and organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO.

The Summit Co-Chairs were:

• His Excellency, President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., Republic of Palau
• Mr Yohei Sasakawa, Honorary Chair, The Nippon Foundation
• Mr Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary, IOC