Island nations meet in Tokyo

Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Daina, led the Kingdom’s delegation at a major international ocean summit in Japan, which brought together leaders and policymakers from island nations.

The Island States Ocean Summit, held in Tokyo, is jointly organised by The Nippon Foundation and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO). It is being held under the theme “Sustainable Ocean Action for Resilient Islands”.

The event was attended by high-profile figures including Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon Magnus, Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and representatives from around 35 countries.

Speaking at the summit, Dr bin Daina reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening its position as a leading island state in advancing science-based climate action, innovation, and long-term sustainable planning. He said Bahrain aims to deepen international cooperation to develop resilient policies that protect oceans and coastal regions.

He also highlighted the importance of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 14, which focuses on life below water and the sustainable use of marine resources.

The minister added that the summit provides a platform for sharing scientific knowledge on marine biodiversity protection, while also addressing environmental risks such as rising sea levels and their impact on island nations. He said it also helps build partnerships that strengthen national capabilities in environmental and scientific research.