EASF Director Addresses ‘Blue Economy’ Conference

In preparation for the UN Ocean’s Conference 2020, Kenya has hosted the first Global Blue Economy Conference from the 26th – 28th of November 2018, in Nairobi. The discussions focused on the priorities and challenges of establishing a sustainable Blue Economy and its

contributions to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development including maritime safety and security.

On the third day of the conference, the Director of the Eastern Africa standby Force, Dr Abdillahi Omar Bouh addressed the delegates. In his presentation, the EASF Director highlighted the importance of information sharing "a critical component of achieving and enhancing Maritime Domain awareness (MDA) is the development of regional information sharing. EASF is in the process establishing the information sharing network through agreements with the member states and memorandums of understanding with other regional organizations such regional coordination and operations center" said Dr. Bouh.

The Director also pointed out that EASF has conducted several courses for the member states on maritime operations planning, integrated mission planning and maritime search and rescue. These courses have enhanced the capacity and expanded the capability of the region in planning and executing maritime operations.
 
The event was attended by several ministers, delegations from UN member states, heads of various UN agencies and international organizations, private sector, academia and Civil Society Organizations.

Different speakers lauded Kenya for showing leadership and demonstrating commitment to the world on how to build a Blue Economy with Japan indicating they will partner with Kenya and Canada to ensure the success of the first global conference that seeks to build on the momentum of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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