Blog Details

Northeast Indian Ocean Regional Dialogue on Sustainable Blue Economy, Connectivity, and Resilience for SIDS

An initiative of Global Synergy Project

Hosted by- Division of Island Nations, Ocean Policy Research Institute

Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan

In Collaboration with

Peace and Policy Solutions (PPS) and MIDA-GOB

Date- 13-14, January 2026- Venue- Pan Pacific Sonargoan Hotel, Dhaka, Bangladesh

The Indian Ocean, the world’s third largest ocean, is often described as the “Great Middle Bay” due to its strategic geographical position (Karim, 2023). It is a continuous maritime theatre essential to the security and stability of global shipping lanes and trade routes, handling more than one-third of the world’s bulk cargo and nearly two-thirds of oil shipments. This vast ocean facilitates global access to food, valuable minerals, and energy resources, while its surrounding region encompasses thirty-three nations and is home to 2.9 billion people (Darshana et al., 2023). Within this system, the Bay of Bengal plays a central role as the world’s largest bay, covering 2.17 million square kilometers, and has long been a historical hub for economic, cultural, and civilizational exchanges. Today, the increasing geopolitical and economic importance of the Indian Ocean Region has drawn the attention of both regional and external powers, making South Asia a critical arena for cooperation, competition, and sustainable development.

The six island nations of Indian Ocean are Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius. Seychelles and Sri Lanka, and an island territories Andaman and Nicbar Islands and Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal are vulnerable for climate change impact. Climate change is critically impacting island nations across the Indian Ocean, intensifying vulnerabilities tied to their unique environmental and socio-political landscapes.

Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands occupy pivotal positions in this emerging landscape. Their maritime territories not only serve as gateways for commerce and connectivity but also face acute vulnerabilities stemming from climate change, environmental degradation, and socio-political challenges. Rising sea levels, projected to increase by up to one meter by 2100, threaten to displace populations and erode livelihoods, particularly in low-lying areas such as the Maldives. For these nations and territories, fisheries, agriculture, and coastal tourism remain vital economic lifelines, yet they are increasingly jeopardized by cyclones, floods, and coastal erosion. Historical legacies of exploitation and environmental injustice have further complicated their adaptive capacity (Douglass & Cooper, 2020), reinforcing the urgency of collective and transformative action (Savage & Feng, 2019).

Japan’s engagement in the Indian Ocean, especially with island states and the Bay of Bengal, underscores its strategic imperative to ensure stability in a region through which 78 percent of its energy imports transit. Japan’s investments in capacity building, infrastructure, and maritime security, combined with its support for climate resilience and sustainable development, reflect a broader vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). By deepening partnerships with South Asian SIDS and coastal states, Japan can help advance shared objectives of prosperity, peace, and ecological sustainability.

Against this backdrop, the proposed Indian Ocean (South Asia) Regional Meeting on Sustainable Blue Economy, Connectivity, and Resilience for SIDS will provide a timely platform for dialogue and cooperation. A two-day workshop will be organized, structured around thematic sessions that capture the most pressing priorities for the region. On the first day, discussions will focus on the sustainable blue economy and connectivity, exploring pathways to enhance regional integration through trade, maritime transport, and digital linkages, while examining opportunities in ports and infrastructure development. The second day will address climate change, fisheries, tourism, and adaptation, highlighting how local knowledge and modern science can be integrated to strengthen resilience, protect ecosystems, and ensure the long-term viability of island and coastal economies.

The meeting seeks to catalyze new partnerships, deepen regional cooperation, and articulate a collective vision for a secure, prosperous, and resilient Indian Ocean region. By bringing together key stakeholders from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, alongside development partners such as Japan, the workshop will generate actionable insights and policy directions that can shape future collaboration for sustainable blue growth and climate resilience in South Asia.

Purpose of the South Asia (Indian Ocean) Regional Meeting

1. Identify shared and country-specific priority issues.
2. Enhance understanding and interest by sharing findings with key institutions.
3. Build sustainable human networks across the region.

Key Features of the South Asia Indian Ocean Regional Meeting

1. Moves beyond general discussions of “blue economy” and “climate change.”
2. Emphasizes practical, in-depth discussions, avoiding ceremonial or symbolic elements.

Draft Program

Northeast Indian Ocean Regional Dialogue on Sustainable Blue Economy, Connectivity, and Resilience for SIDS
Participating Countries: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, India (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)

Day 1: Sustainable Blue Economy and Connectivity

09:00 – 09:30
Registration and Welcome Coffee

09:30 – 10:15
Opening Ceremony

• Welcome remarks by host country representative
• Special addresses by representatives from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and India
• Keynote address: The Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal as the “Great Middle Bay” – Pathways for Sustainable Blue Growth

10:15 – 11:30
Plenary Session I: Advancing the Sustainable Blue Economy in South Asia’s SIDS and Coastal States

• Presentations from each country on national priorities and opportunities (Marine protected areas (MPA), Marine Spatial Planning)
• Discussion on shared challenges and areas for collaboration (Marine Plastic Pollution- Plastic treaty)

11:30 – 11:45
Coffee/Networking Break

11:45 – 13:00
Plenary Session II: Connectivity and Regional Integration

• Maritime transport and shipping corridors
• Digital connectivity for ocean governance and trade
• Infrastructure development and port modernization (Matarbari deep seaport, Port of Colombo)

13:00 – 14:00
Lunch

14:00 – 15:30
Country Roundtable: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands

• Each delegation presents case studies and initiatives (15 minutes each)
• Reflections by regional experts

15:30 – 15:45
Coffee/Networking Break

15:45 – 17:00
Panel Dialogue: Financing and Partnerships for Blue Economy and Connectivity

• Role of development partners, regional organizations, and the private sector

17:00 – 17:30
Day 1 Wrap-Up and Key Messages

Reception- 19.00- 21.00

Day 2: Climate Change, Fisheries, Tourism, and Adaptation

09:00 – 09:30
Morning Coffee and Networking

09:30 – 10:30
Plenary Session III: Climate Change and Ocean Resilience

Key note address on-Importance of Integration of Health in Disaster Risk Management by WHO representative

• Impacts of sea-level rise, cyclones, and coastal erosion on South Asian SIDS
• Integration of science, policy integration, and indigenous knowledge for resilience

10:30 – 11:15
Country Perspectives: National Adaptation Experiences

• Maldives: Coastal adaptation and climate migration planning
• Bangladesh: Cyclone preparedness and deltaic resilience
• Sri Lanka: Marine ecosystem protection
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Community-based adaptation strategies

11:15 – 11:30
Coffee/Networking Break

11:30 – 12:45
Plenary Session IV: Fisheries and Tourism for Sustainable Livelihoods

• Safeguarding fisheries from climate threats
• Developing eco-tourism and sustainable coastal industries

12:45 – 13:45
Lunch

13:45 – 15:15
Interactive Working Groups: Building Regional Cooperation Roadmaps

• Group 1: Climate adaptation and disaster resilience
• Group 2: Fisheries management and food security
• Group 3: Sustainable tourism and community livelihoods

15:15 – 15:30
Coffee/Networking Break

15:30 – 16:30
Consolidation Session: Presentations from Working Groups and Discussion

16:30 – 17:15
Closing Session

• Adoption of key takeaways and regional action priorities
• Closing remarks from host and partner organizations

17:15 – 17:30
Vote of Thanks and Farewell

About the invitees

1. 5 individuals from each participating country or region will be invited.
2. Participants should preferably be individuals engaged in practical initiatives. At a minimum, they are expected to be capable of contributing to specific and action-oriented discussions.
3. Preference will be given to government officials of participating countries or individuals endorsed by their respective governments.

Participants

Sri Lanka-

• Dr Namal Bandarnayake, University of Peradenia, Sri Lanka
• Dr Priyadarshani Premarathne, University of Peradenia, Sri Lanka
• P.B.Terney Pradeep Kumara, Director General of Coastal Conservation and Costal Resource Management Department
• Susantha Udagedara

Maldives

• Mariyam Shahuneeza Naseer, Dean of Research at The Maldives National University
• Dr Hussain Sinan, Director General of Fisheries Management at the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Maldives. (TPB)
• Abdulla Siyaz, Minister of State for Economic Development and Trade, Maldives.
• Ismail Azzam Wajeeh, Focal LOWA, Maldives
• Hussain Rasheed Hassan, Former Minister of Environment, as well as Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Marine Resources

India (Online)

• Dr Arnab Das, Maritime Research Center
• Vijay Sakhuja, Professor, REVA University
• Professor Dr. V N Attri

Bangladesh

• Ambassador Tariq A Karim
• Rear Admiral Md. Khurshed Alam, Director-CBOBS, Independent University Bangladesh
• Commodore Sheikh Mahmudul Hassan, Additional Secretary, Maritime Affairs Unit, MoFA
• Commodore Tanzim Faruque, Member, MIDA, GOB
• Commodore Minarul Hoque, BORI
• Md Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive, CRPD

Invited guests for inauguration and closing ceremony

1. Syeda Rezwana Hasan, Advisor, Ministry of Forest Environment and Climate Change (TPB) (Chief Guest of Inaugural session -TPB)
2. Professor Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy International Affairs to the Chief Advisor, Bangladesh
3. Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of BIDA and BEZA

Speakers and facilitators

4. Mahbooba Panna, Former Secretary, GoB
5. Pear Mohammad, Former Secretary, GoB
6. Jiban Ranjan Majumder, Former Secretary, GoB
7. Qudsia Huda, WHO Headquarters
8. Zainuddin, Core team member of Indian Ocean Project, Australian national University
9. Abu Bakar Siddiqui, Dean, Royal University of Dhaka

OPRI

• Professor Mitsutaku Makino, President, OPRI
• Hideyuki Shiozawa, Director, OPRI
• Dr Emadul Islam, Senior Research Fellow, OPRI

Expected Outcomes of the Regional Dialogue

Tangible deliverables (produced)

• Regional Dialogue Report (Highlights): concise snapshots of blue economy and climate change status for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and India (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), with baseline metrics and priority gaps.
• Standalone Policy Brief: action-oriented recommendations for the four stakeholders, a 12–18-month action track, and a financing/partnerships note for development partners and the private sector.
• Dhaka Outcome Statement & Action Matrix: a short joint communiqué capturing shared principles and a matrix of priority actions, leads, and timelines.

Agreed commitments & workstreams

• Four Thematic Working Groups (WGs) for Indian Ocean SIDS:
  1. Sustainable blue economy, Ports, shipping, and digital connectivity; 2) Fisheries and food security; 3) Sustainable tourism and conservation; 4) Climate adaptation, risk finance, and nature-based solutions.
     Each WG will have a country lead and a technical co-lead; OPRI-SPF to coordinate the secretariat function.
• Data & knowledge-sharing: launch of a regional ocean data commons (interoperable datasets for ports, fisheries traceability, reef health, hazards) and a Blue Skills Exchange linking universities, training centers, and maritime institutes.

Cost

The Sasakawa Peace Foundation will cover travel and transportation costs, daily allowances, and other necessary expenditures related to the organization of this regional meeting, in accordance with the Foundation’s internal regulations.