Asia-Pacific faces finance and technology gaps in ocean climate action

Countries across Asia and the Pacific must close significant finance, technology and technical expertise gaps to harness the ocean’s potential as a climate solution, according to a forthcoming regional report by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), announced in a press release. The ocean could deliver up to 35% of the global emission reductions needed by 2050. The findings will be released during Asia-Pacific Ocean Week 2026, held in Bangkok from 26 to 30 October. The event will convene senior officials, researchers and civil society representatives. It aims to identify practical pathways to scale up ocean-based climate action across the region.

The report, titled Ocean-based Climate Action in Asia and the Pacific: Status and Ways Forward, will be launched during the opening plenary of Asia-Pacific Ocean Week 2026. It examines how countries can accelerate ocean-based climate action across multiple sectors. These include restoring carbon-storing mangroves and seagrass meadows. The report also reviews measures to cut shipping emissions and expand offshore wind power. It offers a status update on regional progress and outlines ways forward.

Countries in the region are increasingly including ocean-based climate action in their national climate plans. However, the report highlights the need for stronger coordination across sectors. It also points to the importance of more coherent policies. Improved access to climate finance remains a central requirement. These measures are necessary to translate current commitments into measurable results.

The report’s findings will shape discussions at Asia-Pacific Ocean Week, which will bring together senior officials, researchers and civil society representatives. Participants will work to identify practical solutions and strengthen regional cooperation. Key speakers include Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP. H.E. François Vandeville, Ambassador of France to the Kingdom of Thailand, will also address the forum. H.E. Filimon Manoni, Pacific Ocean Commissioner at the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, is scheduled to speak as well.

Asia-Pacific Ocean Week will take place at the UN Conference Centre on Rajadamnern Nok Avenue in Bangkok. Media representatives are invited to cover the event in person or follow proceedings online. UN expert interviews are available upon request. The full programme and registration details are published on the ESCAP website. The gathering is positioned as a key regional platform for advancing ocean-based climate solutions.