Oceans are a central arena of global politics where questions of security, trade, climate, and environmental protection interlink. Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical competition and accelerating ecological degradation, maritime governance is becoming an increasingly important realm of foreign policy. Recent challenges – including great power rivalry in the Indo-Pacific, illegal fishing, deep-sea mining debates, and sea-level rise – underline the need for integrated approaches. The adoption of the High Seas Treaty on January 17, 2026, marks a major step toward protecting marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions and strengthening multilateral cooperation.
This event will focus on how these dynamics translate into concrete foreign policy priorities. The keynote and panel discussion will explore how oceans shape foreign policy with a particular focus on the Indian Ocean, maritime security, and sustainable ocean governance. The discussion will also cover the implications of climate change for coastal and island states and the role of the blue economy for resilience.
Welcoming remarks:
Rolf Nikel, Vice President, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)
Keynote & Conversation : “The Role of the Ocean in Foreign Policy: Viewpoint of the Maldives”
Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives
Panel discussion:
Prof. Dr. Ursula Siebert, Director of the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation
André Wiersig, UN Ocean Ambassador, Founder of theBlueHeart & Extreme Swimmer
Dr. Kira Vinke, Deputy Research Director and Head of the Center for Climate and Foreign Policy, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)
Moderator: Markus Knigge, Executive Director of the Blue Action Fund
The event will be held in English.
Please register for the event: events@dgap.org