The Ocean Centres initiative hosted by the UN Global Compact and supported by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation has been set up in seven countries – Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Each centre, strategically located to address regional safety challenges, will play a vital role in fostering collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and maritime communities. The initiative will foster locally led solutions to the challenges that are to be found in each of the regions

Building on this, they aim to promote responsible business practices in ocean-based economies and influence the creation of new standards and policies.

The Ocean Centres were established through a partnership between the UN Global Compact (UNGC), a leading advocate for sustainability in the private sector, and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a global charity dedicated to engineering a safer world. They are implemented through UNGC Country Networks in seven nations identified by local experts during the initiative’s scoping phase: Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Stepping stone towards a safe and sustainable ocean economy in India

India presents a strategic environment for advancing a safe and sustainable ocean economy, particularly after hosting the G20 and the Ocean20 (O20) Dialogue. The country’s ocean economy is vast, with industries spread across remote and rural areas. India faces several major obstacles in addressing safety challenges across its ocean industries. It also presents significant opportunities for advancing safety and sustainability in ocean industries. The Indian corporate sector is well-positioned to excel in developing port infrastructure, ship manufacturing, shipping services, fishing, aquaculture, offshore energy and related business initiatives. These advancements can contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth and GDP, while also aligning with the Viksit Bharat Mission 2047 (Developed India Mission 2047). Ocean Centres India is a multi-stakeholder collaboration platform that supports the transition toward more safer and sustainable ocean economy in India.