Sorbonne Abu Dhabi Spurs Sustainable Ocean Governance Research

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD), in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (National University of Singapore) (APCEL), successfully concluded the international symposium ‘Ocean Futures: Advancing Decarbonisation and Innovation in Shipping and Marine Biodiversity through Law, Policy, and AI’, held last week at its campus on Al Reem Island.

The event gathered policymakers, academics, international organisations, NGOs, and industry leaders from across the UAE and beyond to explore how legal, technological, and policy frameworks can accelerate a more sustainable future for the world’s oceans. Held in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland to the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the MENA Oceans Initiative by Goumbook, the symposium formed part of SUAD’s Year of Ocean – an ongoing commitment dedicated to advancing marine science, innovation, and governance through SUAD’s Ocean Institute, launched at COP28.

Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, commented: “It was inspiring to see leaders from across disciplines and regions come together with a shared purpose – to safeguard our oceans through knowledge, policy, and innovation. The symposium’s success lies not only in the quality of dialogue but in the genuine commitment expressed by all participants to turn ideas into collective action. As we move forward, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will continue to channel these learnings into impactful research and partnerships that advance sustainable ocean governance locally and globally.”

Strengthening Global Collaboration

One of the most significant outcomes of the event was the strengthened partnership between SUAD and APCEL, marking a deepened commitment to joint research and publications in environmental law, policy, and ocean governance. The symposium’s interdisciplinary approach drew engagement from key representatives of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the UN Ocean Decade (IOC-UNESCO), CMA CGM, Al Aidarous Law Firm, the Blue AI project, and regional universities, including Zayed University, reflecting the growing importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing ocean challenges.

Towards Fair and Coordinated Maritime Decarbonisation

Speakers underscored that decarbonising the maritime sector requires a coordinated global effort that links international law, national implementation, and private-sector innovation. Discussions emphasised that the International Maritime Organisation’s strategies must remain equitable, considering the capacities and needs of developing nations to ensure a fair transition towards net-zero shipping.

Integrating Biodiversity into Maritime Governance

Participants also highlighted the urgent need to embed biodiversity protection into maritime decision-making. With the shipping industry contributing to underwater noise, invasive species transfer, and pollution, experts called for stronger legal and policy mechanisms to balance economic activity with

the safeguarding of marine ecosystems. Collaborative approaches involving governments, academia, and industry were recognised as essential to achieving resilient ocean governance.

Data, Technology, and the Future of Ocean Monitoring

The symposium further spotlighted the role of technology and data in enabling informed policymaking. Delegates stressed the importance of strengthening research capacity and data sharing among institutions to ensure transparency and accountability in ocean management. Emerging technologies such as AI and robotics can further enhance marine monitoring, enabling better data generation, sharing, and analysis to protect ocean ecosystems in the Gulf and beyond. The potential of new technologies was showcased through projects such as Blue AI – an innovative citizen-science platform designed to tackle plastic pollution in Gulf waters.

Future Impact

Building on the momentum of the discussions, SUAD and APCEL will jointly produce a policy brief and an academic paper for publication in a peer-reviewed environmental law journal. These outputs will be disseminated to policymakers, research institutions, and industry partners to support evidence-based decision-making and future collaboration. The recommendations and insights generated from the symposium will also be shared with relevant government agencies in the UAE to inform research priorities and inspire new partnerships focused on decarbonisation and marine conservation.

The symposium reaffirmed the UAE’s growing role as a hub for dialogue and innovation in sustainability, aligning with the nation’s long-term vision to advance climate action, responsible industry, and ocean stewardship. The programme featured keynote addresses and panel discussions on maritime decarbonisation, biodiversity protection, and the use of AI and autonomous technologies to strengthen ocean governance across the Gulf region.