Event Report- 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
Picture of the NIOD-conference delegates-13th January 2026
The Northeast Indian Ocean Regional Dialogue convened high-level delegates and experts to advance dialogue and cooperation on sustainable blue economy development, regional connectivity, and community resilience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This gathering is part of the Global Synergy Project of Division of Islands Nation, Ocean Policy Research Institute, Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan, co-hosted by the Peace and Policy Solutions (PPS) and the Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA), Government of Bangladesh.
Participants included representatives from Bangladesh, India (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Sri Lanka, Maldives, Japan, and the USA. The dialogue sought to address shared challenges of coastal vulnerability, climate-induced loss and damage, marine spatial planning, blue finance, fisheries, and inclusive development for marginalized communities in the Northeast Indian Ocean SIDS region.
Held over two days, the dialogue featured nine thematic plenary sessions, keynote addresses, and working group discussions that culminated in the development of a “Dhaka Statement”—a shared regional roadmap outlining actionable priorities, climate-financing needs, and policy recommendations to support sustainable ocean governance for the SIDS.
In the inaugural session Welcome Address remarks Professor Mitsutaku Makino, President of OPRI, highlighted Japan’s commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, stressing the importance of marine stewardship, regional collaboration, and addressing shared environmental threats like coral bleaching, sea-level rise, and plastic pollution.
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Professor Mitsutaku Makino, President of OPRI-SPF-13th January 2026
In Chief guest remarks Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of MIDA, emphasized the government’s vision to build a strong foundation for Bangladesh’s future blue economy. He underscored the need to harness the country’s vast maritime resources larger than its landmass and align national efforts with coastal development, job creation, and ecological preservation.
Chief guest -Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of MIDA
Keynote addressed by Dr. Emadul Islam, Senior Research Fellow at OPRI-SPF, described the ocean as the “lifeblood of the global economy” and stressed the urgency of inclusive policymaking that reflects the voices of vulnerable communities. He cautioned that the Bay of Bengal could become a “plastic soup” within two decades if current trends continue.
Dr. Emadul Islam, Senior Research Fellow at OPRI-SPF
The first high level plenary session- on Advancing the Sustainable Blue Economy in South Asia’s SIDS and Coastal States
This session explores strategies for strengthening the sustainable blue economy in South Asia’s Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and coastal regions, with a focus on Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Speakers examine the region’s shared vulnerabilities—from climate change to marine resource depletion—and highlight locally grounded initiatives and science-policy interfaces that foster economic resilience and environmental stewardship. The discussion seek to identify regional pathways for collaboration in fisheries, coastal tourism, marine conservation, and community livelihoods to ensure inclusive and sustainable ocean-based development in the Northeast Indian Ocean.
Panelists plenary session-1, 13th January 2026
In Plenary Session 2- title- Connectivity and Regional Integration: Ports and Shipping in the Northeast Indian Ocean
This session covers regional port connectivity and the evolving shipping landscape across the Northeast Indian Ocean. Presentations will spotlight key infrastructure developments, including Bangladesh’s Matarbari Deep Sea Port and its associated Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA) interventions, and Colombo port Sri Lanka as well as India’s Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The speakers from across South Asia have called for a paradigm shift in regional maritime integration, emphasising the need for smart ports, indigenous technology, and shared Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) in the Northeast Indian Ocean.
To get full report, Click to get the final event report.
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Media Coverage
National English News
- https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/trade-market/sustainable-blue-economy-needs-investment-technology-1768325787
- https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/maritime-experts-policymakers-call-underwater-domain-awareness-smart-ports-1333301
- https://www.bssnews.net/business/350697
- https://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/regional-dialogue-on-sustainable-blue-economy-connectivity-begins-in-dhaka/177285
- https://investbangladesh.gov.bd/press-release/regional-dialogue-on-blue-economy-kicks-off-in-dhaka
- https://www.thedailystar.net/news/inclusive-action-needed-unlock-blue-economy-experts-say-4080341
- https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/two-day-northeast-indian-ocean-regional-dialogue-kick-dhaka-tomorrow-1332796
Major Bangla National Daily news
- https://www.kalerkantho.com/online/national/2026/01/14/1633455
- https://en.bonikbarta.com/bangladesh/UWDcbq9AaOhWM7CA