Martin Koehring | Development Finance & Sustainable Finance

Exciting news! I'll be speaking at Ocean and Coastal Futures' inaugural Blue Finance event in London, 10-11 September 2025! This UK-first gathering brings together leaders from finance, ocean sustainability, and government to explore how capital can drive sustainable, regenerative solutions for our ocean.

During the recent UN Ocean Conference in Nice I was part of UNIDO's event on Advancing Blue Industry for Sustainable Development. I highlighted that sustainable blue industry is intrinsically connected to sustainable blue finance.

Great to speak at the Ocean-Climate Nexus during this week's London Climate Action Week. I shared my perspectives on accelerating ocean-climate action through finance and the role of the private sector. Other panels focused on civil society and AI.

I am looking forward to speaking at the Ocean-Climate Nexus, the key event placing the ocean at the centre of the climate discussion during London Climate Action Week. I will share my perspectives on "accelerating ocean-climate action through finance" in a keynote and talk about the role of financial institutions in a panel discussion.

What an insightful and exciting time its been at the UN Ocean Conference (and associated events) in Nice! Great to see so many ocean friends and progress in key areas such as accelerating blue finance, sustainable use of the high seas, and pollution.

Today I was delighted to give the opening remarks for the Biodiversity Credit Alliance's event on "Marine Biodiversity Credits: Applying High-level Principles to Coastal & Ocean Ecosystems" during the UN Ocean Conference in Nice.

I'm looking forward to moderating "Amplifying best practice in the Caribbean UK Overseas Territories", an online event by the Marine Conservation Society during the UN Ocean Conference.

I'm looking forward to speaking at UNIDO's Green Zone event on "Advancing Blue Industry for Sustainable Development" as part of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. Last year I supported the United Nations Industrial Development Organization on its Blue Industry strategy.

There's no better way to start World Ocean Day than speaking at a fantastic Solution Hub on "Mainstreaming Sustainable Blue Finance" at the Blue Economy & Finance Forum in Monaco. Hosted by WWF, AXA and ORRAA, this event brought together stakeholders to discuss existing best practice and opportunities to build a sustainable blue finance ecosystem.

Excited to be in Nice from Thursday for the One Ocean Science Congress. I spoke about the financial aspects of implementing the BBNJ Agreement at an OOSC Interactive Townhall organised by UN Environment Programme.

I'm looking forward to speaking about Maritime Cooperation Safeguarding the Blue Economy and Marine Biodiversity at Circle the Med - The Mediterranean Forum in Athens on 4th June. As maritime regions face increasing environmental and security challenges, this session will explore collaborative solutions for sustainable blue growth and maritime security.

I moderated the launch webinar for the Ocean Investment Protocol, with excellent speakers from the UN Global Compact, the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action, the European Investment Bank, IDB-Invest, Barclays, Lloyds of London, and Orsted. The Protocol was co-published by the UN Global Compact and UNEP FI.

Happy International Biodiversity Day, celebrating harmony with nature and sustainable development! Great to be at the National Oceanography Centre's Parliamentary reception (sponsored by Barry Gardiner MP) last night, highlighting the importance of research for ocean health, biodiversity and prosperity.

Great to be in Busan, Korea, for the Our Ocean Conference and the One Ocean Finance Busan Dialogue Series! One Ocean Finance, a financing facility for a sustainable blue future, is a planned public-private development finance mechanism being conceptualised by UNEP, UNCDF, UNDP, UN Global Compact, IUCN, ORRAA, WEF, WRI and Catalytic Finance.

This week I'll be joining a webinar organised by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) to speak about the blue economy and financing marine renewable energy opportunities. Fellow speakers include David Luck, Sustainability & Finance; Holly Niner, University of Plymouth; and Kris Atkinson, Fidelity International.

I'm looking forward to being in Busan, Korea, for the 10th Our Ocean Conference next week. The conference has chosen the theme 'Our Ocean, Our Action' to promote global actions for a sustainable ocean. My mission is to highlight how financial institutions can have a major impact on ocean health, prosperity and biodiversity.

Happy Earth Day! Today the Marine Conservation Society launches its Big Give appeal to keep "forever chemicals" out of the ocean, forever. If you donate before 29th April, your generosity will have twice the impact as it will be doubled through match funding!

During Economist Impact's 12th annual World Ocean Summit & Expo in Tokyo I moderated a session on "How to shape global standards for blue data, technology and capacity building". Here's my summary of the key takeaways.

Great to be back in Tokyo for Economist Impact's 12th annual World Ocean Summit & Expo. I spoke at sessions on "The zero-pollution ocean: risk and opportunities", "How to drive solutions for the success of the Global Plastics Treaty" and "How to shape global standards for blue data, technology and capacity building".

I am looking forward to speaking at Economist Impact's 12th annual World Ocean Summit & Expo in Tokyo, Japan, on 12th-13th March. I will join panels on the zero-pollution ocean, the Global Plastics Treaty and global standards for blue data, technology and capacity building.