NABHI to Co-Host Major Side Event at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference on Health, Climate, and the Blue Economy

A Critical Dialogue for Global Impact

The problem is stark: coastal regions, particularly in Africa’s Niger Delta, are grappling with severe environmental degradation. Oil pollution, habitat destruction, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events are accelerating health crises, leading to increased prevalence of vector-borne diseases like malaria, waterborne illnesses such as cholera, and respiratory issues. These regions, home to millions, rely heavily on marine and coastal ecosystems for their livelihoods, yet face profound threats that undermine their resilience and health.

Adding another layer of complexity, the international shipping sector contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions and harmful black carbon and sulfur pollution, accelerating ocean warming and acidification. The event will emphasize that tackling these issues requires a holistic approach, where health goals are paramount, not just economic benefits.

The “Blue Economy” framework offers a transformative opportunity to convert vulnerability into resilience. By emphasizing the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem health, this approach can drive a just transition that includes restoring ecosystems, delivering climate-resilient health services, and creating low-carbon jobs in aquaculture, eco-tourism, and marine renewables. NABHI, through its proposed multi-disciplinary framework, aims to leverage the potential of the blue economy to foster climate-resilient healthcare systems and restore degraded marine ecosystems.

Leading Voices for Change: The Event Agenda

The UNOC side event will feature a dynamic program, structured into two parts:

• Part One: Moderated by Pastor Peters Omoragbon, Executive President/CEO, NABHI

  • Opening Remarks and Introduction of Speakers.

  • Keynote Address by Pastor Peters Omoragbon, emphasizing NABHI‘s long-standing commitment to climate and public health.

  • A special address by Dr. Wisdom Akpalu, Chair of the Board of the Ghana Fisheries Commission, Ministry of Aquaculture.

• Part Two: Moderated by Dr. Dola Oluteye, Senior Researcher, UCL

  • Dr. Annika Frosch (UCL) will discuss “Connecting Ocean Health to Human Health,” examining the impact of maritime activities and Africa’s stake in ocean health.

  • Ms. Kerrlene Wills (United Nations Foundation) will explore “Multilateral Diplomacy in Tackling Climate Change and Supporting Ocean and Human Health,” focusing on reducing shipping emissions.

  • Dr. Domagoj Baresic (UCL) will address “Creating a New Energy Crisis from Energy Solutions,” and how African policymakers can balance food security with clean energy.

  • Dr. Dolapo Oluteye (UCL) will present on “Sustainable Net-Zero Course for Africa,” highlighting Africa’s technical capacity to protect ocean and human health.

  • Pst. Peters Omoragbon (NABs) will then delve into “Addressing the nexus of health, climate change, and marine sustainability,” outlining strategic policy pathways for integrated, multi-sectoral approaches.

  • Mrs. Marie Hubatova (Environmental Defence Fund) will discuss “Designing clean shipping initiatives that benefit communities and the environment.”

The event will conclude with a “Call to Act,” proposing the establishment of a coalition of maritime stakeholders dedicated to supporting NABHI and The PATNA Group on Ocean Action. This coalition aims to achieve a 30% reduction in ocean- and land-based pollution by 2030, reinforcing the commitment to “Local to Global and Back Again” action.

NABHI’s principal objective in co-hosting this event is to centralize health within all climate action discussions and to collaborate with global strategic partners beyond the core health sector. By building the capacities of healthcare providers and fostering cross-sectoral engagement, NABHI aims to co-create a healthcare climate strategy that effectively protects Africa’s most vulnerable coastal communities.

This initiative is a transformative opportunity to drive a just and inclusive transition that prioritizes both human and ecological well-being. It underscores the critical need for strategic policy pathways to bridge the gaps between climate change adaptation, health systems strengthening, and blue economy development, contributing significantly to global sustainability goals.