Ocean Leadership: Island Wisdom and the Future of a Blue Planet

​Island nations and coastal communities are on the frontlines of climate change, yet they are also leading some of the most innovative and regenerative approaches to living in balance with the ocean. Their perspectives offer a powerful reframe: seeing the planet not just as land with oceans around it, but as a blue planet shaped by interconnected systems.

This discussion explores what the world can learn from island leadership, Indigenous stewardship, and ocean-centered worldviews. How can these approaches inform more regenerative models of development, governance, and climate action? What does it mean to restore our relationship with the ocean, not just as a resource, but as a living system with rights, value, and voice?

We will also examine emerging opportunities, including the implementation of the High Seas Treaty, and how global frameworks can better support equitable governance, marine protection, and benefit-sharing. Bringing together perspectives from island nations, the Caribbean, and beyond, this session invites participants to rethink how we approach climate, conservation, and development through a blue lens.

​Speakers

• ​Emily Wilkinson is Director at RESI, working on climate change, oceans, and finance, with a focus on small island leadership.

• ​Chris LaFranchi is Founder and President of OneReef, advancing partnerships with Indigenous communities to protect marine ecosystems.

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Discussion Questions

• ​What can the world learn from island nations about regenerative development and living in balance with the ocean?

• ​How can Indigenous and community leadership shape more effective ocean and climate solutions?

• ​What opportunities does the High Seas Treaty create, and what will it take to implement it in equitable and impactful ways?

• ​How do we give the ocean a stronger voice in decision-making, from local to global levels?

​Location & access
Accessibility matters deeply to us, and we do our best to choose spaces that reflect that. That said, some of our Oxford venues are in historic buildings without lifts. This room is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users, those with mobility challenges, or anyone needing step-free access.