Leaders gather at the launch of the Ocean Centres initiative, held as a high-level side event during the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France. Representing the Philippines, Yrhen Balinis (left), Country Lead for Ocean Centres Philippines, joins Sanda Ojiambo (center), Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the UN Global Compact and Global Spokesperson for Ocean Centres, and Erik Giercksky (right), Head of the Ocean Stewardship Coalition and Senior Advisor for Ocean Centres, in advancing multi-sector collaboration for a more sustainable and inclusive blue economy.
Nice, France — The Ocean Centres was officially launched at a high-level side event of the United Nations Ocean Conference on 10 June 2025. Under the theme “United by Oceans Centres – Global and Local Ocean Collaboration in Practice”, the event brought together international experts, government leaders, and the Country Leads from each Ocean Centre to explore how local action can inform global progress.
The Philippines is among seven emerging ocean economies chosen to pioneer the implementation of the Ocean Centres initiative. The selection followed a comprehensive scoping phase conducted in 2023, which included analysis of UN Global Compact Ocean Stewardship Coalition strategy documents, academic research, benchmarking, and expert interviews across diverse national contexts.
With its strategic maritime location and abundant coastal resources, the Philippines is well-positioned to lead in the global ocean economy. Home to the world’s largest seafaring workforce and a strong maritime community, the country has key opportunities in shipping and ports, sustainable aquaculture, and green shipbuilding, alongside growing momentum in maritime education and training. Despite structural barriers – such as institutional fragmentation and the geographic dispersion of stakeholders – there is significant potential to build broader partnerships. Advancing the sector will require inclusive collaboration, strategic implementation of existing policies, and a long-term vision for a resilient, future-ready maritime economy.
Spearheading the local implementation, the UN Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP) will lead the Ocean Centres Philippines in catalyzing multi-stakeholder action and scaling innovation aligned with global ambitions. Across the initiative’s four Action Areas, the Philippines’ priorities are:
- Shipping & Ports
- Fishing & Aquaculture
- Finance & Investment
- Offshore Renewables
Expected national outcomes include modernized fleets and improved safety standards to reduce maritime accidents; increased access to funding for fleet renewal and infrastructure upgrades; growth in aquaculture production through sustainable practices; stronger stakeholder partnerships for innovation and knowledge sharing; and enhanced coastal spatial planning supported by green technologies for long-term sustainability.
How to Join the Mission for Safer and More Sustainable Seas
Ocean Centres are open to all organizations that play a role in advancing a safe and sustainable blue economy in their respective countries. As a multi-stakeholder platform, participation is encouraged from:
- Private sector actors (from large enterprises to SMEs)
- Government agencies and regulators
- Intergovernmental organizations
- Trade unions, NGOs, and financial institutions
- Academia, research institutions, and technical experts
- Community-led groups, traditional and indigenous associations, youth-led groups, and sustainability movements
Stakeholders may also join in specialized capacities—as Knowledge Partners (e.g., maritime safety and engineering experts) or Ally Partners (e.g., advocates helping amplify awareness).
Participation is open under two categories:
- Category 1: Business organizations with more than 10 employees
- Category 2: Business organizations with fewer than 10 employees, all non-business organizations, and individuals
Organizations advancing technical and engineering standards—such as tech companies and start-ups—are especially encouraged to contribute as part of the Ocean Centres’ solutions ecosystem.
To learn more, visit the Ocean Centres website at https://www.oceancentres.com.
Note to Editors
About the UN Global Compact Philippines Network
The Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP) is the country network of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), uniting 65 local participants from top corporations, SMEs, and NGOs to advance responsible business practices. Committed to the Ten UNGC Principles and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), GCNP fosters collaboration, peer learning, and action on climate and water resilience, gender equality, living wages, and sustainable finance.
In 2025, GCNP aligns with the UNGC’s “Forward Faster Initiative,” accelerating private sector impact on sustainability through strategic partnerships and local solutions for global challenges.
For more information on the GCNP and its programs, visit https://gcnp.org.ph/, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, or email secretariat@gcnp.org.ph.
Ocean Centres, Philippines Team
Edward Gacusana
Executive Director
UN Global Compact Philippines
Yrhen Bernard Sabanal Balinis
Country Lead
Ocean Centres, Philippines
Engr. Ithan Jessemar Dollente
Focal Point
Ocean Centres, Philippines