President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has departed Zanzibar today, June 17, 2026, for Mombasa, Kenya, where he will represent the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, at the 11th Our Ocean Conference.
Dr. Mwinyi left through Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for a two-day official visit focused on participating in high-level global discussions on the protection and sustainable use of oceans.
The conference is taking place in Mombasa from June 16 to 18, 2026, bringing together heads of state and government representatives, international organizations, private sector leaders, researchers, civil society actors, and youth from across the world.
The meeting is being held under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” reflecting the growing global commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems while promoting sustainable economic opportunities through the blue economy.
This year’s conference is historic as it is the first time the global event is being hosted in Africa. It provides a key platform for countries to strengthen cooperation on issues such as marine pollution, overfishing, climate change, maritime security, and the expansion of marine protected areas.
During the conference, Dr. Mwinyi is expected to engage in a series of high-level discussions and bilateral meetings.
He is scheduled to hold talks with the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Environment Programme, Ms. Inger Andersen, as well as the Prime Minister of Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre.
The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening regional cooperation in ocean governance, promoting sustainable fisheries, enhancing climate resilience for coastal communities, and accelerating blue economy development across the Indian Ocean region.
In addition to attending plenary sessions, Dr. Mwinyi will participate in key dialogues on innovative financing for ocean protection, climate adaptation, maritime safety, and the use of technology in advancing ocean sustainability. Youth involvement is also among the major priorities of the conference.
He is also expected to join other leaders in the closing ceremony scheduled for June 18, 2026, where participants will adopt key commitments aimed at strengthening global action on ocean conservation.
According to a statement issued by Raqey Mohamed, Acting Director of Communications at State House (Ikulu), Dr. Mwinyi’s participation highlights Tanzania’s strong commitment to global environmental cooperation and sustainable management of ocean resources for present and future generations. He is expected to return to Zanzibar on June 19, 2026.
