SCALING INNOVATION FOR
COMPETITIVE AND SUSTAINABLE BLUE GROWTH
Elevating the Blue Economy: Policy, Investment, and Innovation for a Resilient Future.
Strategic Mandate
Driving Sustainable Ocean Development
Accelerate Investment
De-risk and scale Blue investments into sustainable maritime, energy, and aquaculture projects.
Harmonize Policy
Drive high-level collaboration across nations to finalize regional ocean policy and governance frameworks.
Future-Proofing
Foster the adoption and transfer of Blue Tech and R&D for next-generation economic resilience.
Ocean Diplomacy
Establish collaborative mechanisms for critical shared issues like marine pollution and resource protection.
Key Focus Areas
The Five Pillars of WBEF
Exploring the interconnected sectors that drive the sustainable blue economy.
Industrial Blue Carbon & Energy Transition
Scaling ocean-based climate and energy markets, corporate offtake models, and investment-grade project pipelines.
Blue Finance & Digital Market Platforms
Mobilising capital through blended finance, blue bonds and sukuk, ESG/TNFD systems, and digital investment-readiness platforms.
Enabling Maritime Systems & Trade Infrastructure
Digital ports, low-carbon shipping corridors, and logistics systems that enable efficient and resilient blue economy value chains.
Living Resources, Bio-Innovations & Nature-Based Industries
Translating living marine resources and marine science into high-value industries, including bio-innovation, nature-based tourism, and resilient blue food.
Governance, Standards & Market Alignment
Align MRV, data systems, and regional standards to enable trusted investment, cross-border recognition, and policy coherence.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Partner with us for WBEF 2026
Elevate your brand by partnering with the world's premier blue economy forum.
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Event Itinerary
A Structured Journey of Insight and Collaboration
EVENT DAY 1
3 November 2026
FORUM OFFICIATION
by HRH Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin
MBEB ROLLOUT
by Ministry of Economy
VISION KEYNOTE
by Peter Thomson
VIP EXHIBITION WALKTHROUGH
2 FORUMS
3 expert briefs & moderated dialogue
1 EXECUTIVE DIALOGUE
2 panellists, 60 minutes dialogue
EXHIBITION
Evening Day 1
(19.30 – 22.30)
AWARD & RECOGNITION DINNER
with HRH Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin
EVENT DAY 2
3 November 2026
ANCHOR KEYNOTE
by Gunter Pauli
2 FORUMS
3 expert briefs & moderated dialogue
1 EXECUTIVE DIALOGUE
2 panellists, 60 minutes dialogue
ROUNTABLE DISCUSSION
Policy Makers & Industry Leaders
DEAL ROOMS & MATCHMAKING SESSION
2 panelist 60 minutes dialogue
EXHIBITION
NETWORKING SESSION
Global Leaders Driving the Blue Economy Agenda
Distinguished Speakers
Peter Thomson
"United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Ocean; former President of the United Nations General Assembly; Fijian diplomat and Permanent Representative to the UN."
Peter Thomson
Expert Speaker
Gunter Pauli
"Founder of Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives (ZERI) and author of "The Blue Economy"; Member of the Club of Rome and Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science; widely recognised as the "Father of the Blue Economy"."
Gunter Pauli
Expert Speaker
Patrick Sorgaloos
"Globally renowned aquaculture and Artemia expert from Ghent University; serving as Sultan Mizan Professorial Chair at UMT and collaborating on sustainable marine science and aquaculture research."
Patrick Sorgaloos
Expert Speaker
Ian Mabbett
"Professor of Chemistry and Enterprise, Partnerships & Innovation Lead; specialising in transdisciplinary research on coatings, sanitation, and climate solutions; leading major global programmes including the OECD-recognised SUNRISE initiative."
Ian Mabbett
Expert Speaker
Nor Aieni Mokhtar
"Professor of Oceanography and Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) and Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT); former Vice-Chancellor and Director of the National Oceanography Directorate."
Nor Aieni Mokhtar
Expert Speaker
Contact Us
WBEF Sdn Bhd (1652226-T)
(Subsidiary of UMT Jaya Holdings Sdn Bhd)
Block C, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
Call Us
+609 668 4110
Strategic Partners
Venue Location
Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre