Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Symposium Sparks Global Partnerships for Sustainable Ocean Governance
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD), in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (APCEL) at the National University of Singapore, has successfully concluded the international symposium “Ocean Futures: Advancing Decarbonisation and Innovation in Shipping and Marine Biodiversity through Law, Policy, and AI.”
Hosted at SUAD’s Al Reem Island campus, the event convened global policymakers, academics, NGOs, industry leaders, and international organisations to explore how law, technology, and policy can jointly drive the sustainable transformation of ocean governance. The symposium formed part of SUAD’s Year of Ocean, underpinned by its Ocean Institute — launched during COP28 to advance marine science and sustainability research.
Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, remarked:
“The symposium reflected a collective commitment to safeguard our oceans through collaboration, innovation, and knowledge. SUAD remains dedicated to translating these insights into research and partnerships that strengthen ocean governance globally.”
Strengthening Global Collaboration
The event deepened SUAD’s partnership with APCEL, paving the way for joint publications, policy briefs, and future research in environmental law and ocean governance. Participants included representatives from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, UN Ocean Decade (IOC-UNESCO), CMA CGM, Al Aidarous Law Firm, Blue AI, and Zayed University, reflecting the growing interconnection between academia, policy, and industry.
Towards Fair Maritime Decarbonisation
Experts underscored the need for an equitable global approach to maritime decarbonisation, aligning international law, national implementation, and private-sector innovation. Discussions highlighted that future strategies must consider the capacities of developing nations to ensure a just transition toward net-zero shipping.
Protecting Biodiversity through Governance
Speakers called for stronger legal and policy frameworks integrating biodiversity protection into maritime regulation, noting that the shipping industry must address underwater noise, pollution, and invasive species to balance economic growth with ecosystem health.
Data, Technology, and AI for Ocean Futures
The role of data, AI, and robotics in enabling transparent, science-based ocean policymaking was also in focus. Projects like Blue AI, a citizen-science initiative tackling plastic pollution in Gulf waters, demonstrated how emerging technologies can reshape marine monitoring and conservation efforts.
Looking Ahead
Building on the symposium’s momentum, SUAD and APCEL will co-author a policy brief and academic paper to be shared with UAE policymakers, research institutions, and industry partners, strengthening evidence-based decision-making and advancing new regional partnerships for decarbonisation and marine protection.
The symposium reaffirmed the UAE’s leadership as a hub for sustainability dialogue and innovation, aligning with national goals to advance climate action, responsible industry, and ocean stewardship.
