The 2026 Global Ocean Development Forum will be held in Qingdao West Coast New Area from Sept 16 to 18, bringing together officials, experts, business leaders and international organizations to discuss sustainable ocean development.

Launched in 2024, the forum has grown from a regional marine exchange platform into an increasingly international event. This year, about 680 participants are expected, including around 200 overseas guests and representatives from 12 international organizations.

The program includes an opening ceremony, main forum, dialogue on marine civilization, four parallel forums and eight supporting events. Discussions will cover the marine economy, technological innovation, artificial intelligence, blue finance, green transformation, deep-sea industries and ocean governance.

More than 50 innovation achievements and case studies are expected to be presented, alongside major reports including the 2026 China Ocean Development Index and the World Ocean Economy Development Report 2026.

The forum also emphasizes practical cooperation. In 2024, agreements on 30 key marine projects in Shandong were signed, with a combined investment of 65.6 billion yuan ($9.2 billion). In 2025, more than 150 Chinese and overseas companies reached preliminary cooperation agreements through industry matchmaking events.

Qingdao West Coast New Area recorded gross ocean product of 225.58 billion yuan in 2025, accounting for more than 40 percent of its GDP.