This session details the UN Taskforce on Seaweed – an initiative bringing together partners to unlock the potential of seaweed for sustainable food systems, climate resilience, and coastal livelihoods.

Seaweed stands at the intersection of nutrition, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunity, especially for developing coastal nations.

The Taskforce aims to foster coordinated action across trade, investment, science, and policy to scale up sustainable seaweed value chains.

Speakers:

Moderator:

• David Vivas Eugui, Chief of Ocean and Circular Economy Unit, a.i., Trade, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Branch, UNCTAD

Panelists:

• Mr. Mochammad Firman Hidayat, Council Member/Executive Director, Priority Economic Program Acceleration, National Economic Council, Republic of Indonesia
• Ms. Felaniaina Marie Stéphanie, Directrice, Développement de l’Aquaculture, Madagascar
• Mr. Mohamed Sheikh, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, United Republic of Tanzania
• Ms. Yas Farjad, Chargée des affaires européennes, internationales et du développement économique des filières aquacoles, Bureau de l’aquaculture
• Mr. Ciyong Zou, deputy Director General at United Nations Industrial Development Organization
• Ms. Chantal Line Carpentier, Head, Trade, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Branch Division on International Trade and Commodities, UNCTAD
• Ms. Melanie Cueff, Scientific Officer, CNRS, Global Seaweed Coalition, under the UN Global Compact
• Mr. Damian Prescod, Project Coordinator, Oceans Economy Unit, Export Barbados, BIDC