June 7, 11:30am – 1:00pm, Grimaldi Forum, Monaco

Seaweed holds immense potential for regenerating the blue economy, contributing to climate resilience, food security and sustainable livelihoods. This event offers a unique opportunity to highlight the untapped potential of seaweed in achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 14, while demonstrating the growing global momentum behind this agenda. Discussions will focus on the “Seaweed breakthrough”, scientific targets for restoring wild seaweed habitats and developing a sustainable industry; the “Seaweed pledge” engaging private sector leaders to commit to seaweed sourcing and best practices; the creation of a UN Seaweed Task Force, which aims to establish global governance and foster collaboration between UN agencies and governments. Lastly, the session will explore success stories in microalgae, drawing parallels on how the seaweed sector can learn from its counterparts to drive sustainable innovation.

Moderator: M. Adrien Vincent

🔹Inspirational Opening
• Ocean Purpose project, Ms. Mathilda Da Silva (7 min)

🔹Welcoming Remarks
• M. Robert Calcagno, CEO of the Oceanographic Institute, Prince Albert I of Monaco Foundation

🔹Partners Introduction (7 min)
• M. Adrien Vincent – Senior Advisor, Global Seaweed Coalition & EU4Algae
• Ms. Anuradha Bajaj – Chief Innovative Finance and Investment Officer, The Earthshot Prize (TBC)

🔹 Three Key Developments Accelerating a Regenerative Seaweed Economy
• Seaweed Breakthrough – Dr. Elizabeth Cottier-Cook, Head, UN University Associate Institute;
Professor, Marine Biology, SAMS (12 min)
• Seaweed Pledge – M. Vincent Doumeizel, Senior Advisor Ocean & Food, UN Global Compact; Co-
founder, Global Seaweed Coalition (12 min)
• UN Seaweed Task Force – Dr. Chantal Line Carpentier, Head, Trade, Environment, Climate Change
& Sustainable Development Branch, UNCTAD (12 min)

🔹Panel Discussion: How Can Seaweed Learn from Microalgae Success Stories?
• M. Vitor Verdelho – General Manager at EABA – European Algae Biomass Association
• Ms. Veronique Raoul – CEO Inalve

🔹Closing Remarks
• M. Adrien Vincent

Event partners: Global Seaweed Coalition, Oceanographic Institute of Monaco Foundation, EU4Algae, EABA, The Earthshot Prize