Why this Forum?
The Forum is built on a simple conviction: ocean governance needs the moral, ritual, and community power of faith traditions.
For generations, the Swahili coast has lived in deep relationship with the bahari, where “the ocean has never been only a resource. It is teacher, ancestor, scripture, and witness”. Today, that sacred relationship is under strain: coral bleaching, declining artisanal fisheries, coastal erosion, and the ongoing legacy of forced labour at sea.
As Kenya becomes the first African nation to host the Our Ocean Conference, the Forum positions Mombasa as the place where faith, heritage, and moral conscience enter the global ocean governance arena. It completes the OOC11 architecture alongside the Youth Leadership Summit, the Research Symposium, and the Executive Business & Investment Forum.
Participants
Religious leaders from the Kenyan coast
Indigenous spiritual custodians
Government and county representatives
International faith networks
Marine conservation NGOs
Scientific and theological advisors
Media
Ocean Interfaith Forum — Mombasa, 15 June 2026
Bringing faith, heritage, and moral conscience to ocean action
Date & Venue
Monday 15 June 2026 — 08:00–16:00 EAT
Mombasa Continental Resort, Kenya
“To the communities of faith who live along it, the ocean has never been only a resource. It is teacher, ancestor, scripture, and witness.”
Held on the eve of the Our Ocean Conference 2026 (16–18 June), this Forum brings spiritual leadership into one of the world’s most important ocean governance gatherings.
What will happen on 15 June?
The Forum convenes approximately 50 invited participants for a day of high‑level dialogue, prayer, and action. Highlights include:
An interfaith prayer ceremony on the beach.
Launch of Faiths for 30x30 – The Faith High Ambition Coalition for Ocean & Nature Action, a new global platform enabling faith communities to register measurable contributions to protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030.
Three interactive discussions:
Faiths for 30x30: aligning faith commitments with the global 30x30 target.
Faith, Fisheries & Blue Peace: bringing fishers, scientists, and theologians to the same table.
Coral Reef Protection: a “reef assembly” where participants give voice to the reefs themselves.
A press briefing announcing the Coalition’s founding signatories and first pledges.
Organization
Organized by FutureFaith & Faiths for Oceans, with support from global faith networks and coastal authorities.
Join the movement!
Religious leaders wishing to attend
Organizations seeking to co‑sponsor or exhibit
Press requesting accreditation
Supporters worldwide following the launch of Faiths for 30x30