Department of the Blue Economy Represented at 13th World Ocean Summit & Expo in Montreal
St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda — Antigua and Barbuda’s voice was present on the global stage at the 13th World Ocean Summit & Expo, happening today, March 4–5, 2026 in Montreal, Canada. The high-level gathering, hosted by Economist Impact, brought together world leaders, policymakers, investors, scientists and private sector representatives to advance solutions for sustainable ocean governance and blue economy development.
Representing the Government of Antigua and Barbuda was Ms. Marver Woodley, Senior Operations and Policy Manager within the Department of the Blue Economy. Her participation ensured that the priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) were reflected in critical global discussions on marine sustainability, ocean finance, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection.
The World Ocean Summit is regarded as one of the premier international platforms dedicated to accelerating ocean action. This year’s Summit focused on scaling investment for marine conservation, strengthening regulatory and policy frameworks, fostering innovation in sustainable ocean industries, and expanding access to blue finance, particularly for vulnerable coastal and island nations.
For Antigua and Barbuda, whose Exclusive Economic Zone is many times larger than its landmass, the ocean is not simply a natural resource but a central pillar of economic growth, food security, climate resilience and cultural identity.
Speaking on the importance of participation, Ms. Woodley noted, “For Small Island Developing States like Antigua and Barbuda, ocean governance is not theoretical — it is deeply tied to our economic stability, our climate resilience, and our people’s livelihoods. Being present in these global conversations ensures that our realities shape international solutions, rather than being shaped by them.”
During the Summit, Ms. Woodley engaged in bilateral discussions with international partners and stakeholders on matters including marine conservation strategies, climate adaptation in coastal communities, sustainable fisheries management, and capacity-building initiatives. These engagements align with the Department’s ongoing work to advance sustainable ocean policies and strengthen the country’s blue economy framework.
The Department of the Blue Economy reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda remains an active and strategic participant in international ocean policy discussions. Engagement at this level supports national efforts to develop innovative, inclusive and sustainable approaches to ocean management while positioning the country as a leader among Caribbean SIDS in shaping the future of global ocean governance.
As momentum continues to build around global ocean action, Antigua and Barbuda remains dedicated to protecting its marine resources while leveraging the blue economy as a driver of sustainable development and resilience.
Miss Woodley with Ms Joanne Thompson/Minister of Fisheries – Canada