Inspired by the unique global opportunity to build greater prosperity for all while protecting these water resources for the present and future generations, over 18,000 participants from across the world including Heads of State and Government, Ministers and high level representatives, Mayors and Governors, representatives of international organizations, the business community, the private sector, women and youth, Indigenous peoples, community based organizations, philanthropic, academic, scientific and research institutions, as well as civil society, had strategic conversations during the first ever global conference on the sustainable blue economy held in Nairobi, Kenya from 26th to 28th November, 2018. The conference was an important platform for strategic deliberations on promoting the productivity, inclusivity and the sustainability aspects of the resources of a sustainable blue economy in an integrated, balanced and holistic manner. Key messages heard at the Conference: • Promoting action-oriented global strategies that place people and the blue economy resources at the center of sustainable development as a contribution to the realization of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs; • Promoting collaboration for sustainable partnerships and projects in the various sectors of the blue economy for economic growth, poverty alleviation and conservation of the resources for the present and future generations through a multi sectoral approach; • Promoting mobilization of finance from public and private sources, access to technologies and innovations as well as capacity building among local, national and international stakeholders for the full realization of the potential of the blue economy; • Promoting the role of women in the blue economy and identifying the barriers and opportunities to further empower women and encourage their role in positions of leadership; • Recognizing that gender equality and the empowerment of women will build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. Read more here: http://www.blueeconomyconference.go.ke/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Nairobi-Statement-of-Intent-Advancing-Global-Sustainable-Blue-Economy.pdf