Stories
June 13, 2025 • 2 min read
GOAL Sierra Leone showcased its Blue Economy Programme at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, highlighting efforts to combat marine pollution and promote inclusive growth. GOAL called for strategic investments in sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, and circular economy initiatives to unlock the full potential of Sierra Leone’s coastal resources at Sierra Leone Blue Economy Expo, one of the conference’s key side events.
GOAL calls for inclusive partnerships to unlock coastal opportunity and drive progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, is currently taking place in Nice, France (9–13 June), under the theme “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.”. The conference brings together global leaders, scientists, civil society, and private sector actors to advance the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) and ocean-based solutions.
As part of the Sierra Leone Blue Economy Expo, one of the conference’s key side events, GOAL was proud to share its work on transforming marine pollution management and driving inclusive blue growth through its Blue Economy Programme in Sierra Leone.
Represented by Benjamin Bockarie, Program Coordinator for the Blue Economy at GOAL Sierra Leone, GOAL outlined how sustainable marine development can create green jobs, support economic resilience, and improve coastal ecosystems and engaged with key stakeholders to advocate for inclusive and resilient blue growth.
During his presentation at the side event, Benjamin emphasized the transformative potential of Sierra Leone’s blue economy in driving inclusive growth, fostering environmental resilience, and creating green employment opportunities.
Benjamin highlighted the critical importance of strategic investment in sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, and circular economy initiatives, and called for partnerships that “leverage technological innovation and community engagement to unlock the full potential of Sierra Leone’s coastal and marine resources.”
GOAL’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Sierra Leone’s national development priorities in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Through cross-sector dialogue and community-led action, GOAL is working to ensure that ocean resources benefit those most affected by climate change and poverty.
With its innovative Blue Economy programme, GOAL is helping to build a future where healthy oceans support sustainable livelihoods and resilient communities, not only in Sierra Leone, but as a model for coastal nations worldwide.
