The policy dialogue will broadly discuss the current threats to the blue economy arising from climate change and environmental issues and challenges, which pose serious risks to the viability, sustainability and economic value of the ocean economy. The meeting will also discuss conditions that will support the successful development of the blue economy and increase climate resilience. It will end by reviewing measures that will enable coastal and small island States to cope effectively, creatively and sustainably with environmental changes as well mitigating impacts and threats to marine and coastal resources.

The policy dialogue will comprise of high level officials from Angola, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles and South Africa and representatives of EAC, SADC and COMESA Secretariats. Representatives from other UN agencies, the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, Civil Society Organizations, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, academia, research institutions as well as private sector, professional organizations and from other ECA divisions will be invited to participate in the dialogue.