LogoBlue Futures
Ocean

Conference Agenda

February 27, 2026

One day of inspiring talks, panels, and networking opportunities

Opening
Panel Discussion
Keynote
Fireside Chat
Break
Closing
Partner Session
13:3014:30
Opening

Check-in & Documentary Screening – ‘Ocean’

Participant check-in and screening of David Attenborough’s ‘Ocean’ documentary. This opening moment sets the tone for the afternoon, inviting participants to reflect on the urgency of marine conservation and our collective responsibility for the future of the oceans.

14:3014:50
Opening

Opening Remarks

Welcome and opening of the conference, setting a collective ambition for the day and highlighting the role of leadership, academia, and local communities in shaping a sustainable blue future.

Speakers: Dean of Nova School of Business and Economics (TBC), Mayor of Cascais Municipality (TBC)
14:5015:10
Keynote

Situation Sketch

Scientific overview of the current state of marine ecosystems and conservation.

Speakers: Emanuel Gonçalves – Oceano Azul Foundation
15:1015:30
Fireside Chat

Fireside Chat – Marine Pollution & Solutions

A conversation focused on marine pollution and solution-oriented approaches for a sustainable blue economy.

Speakers: Marta Martins – NOVA FCT & MARlab
Moderator: Susana Fonseca – ZERO
15:3016:15
Panel Discussion

Panel Debate – Blue Carbon

A discussion on Blue Carbon and the potential of Portugal’s maritime area for the Blue Economy.

Speakers: Assunção Cristas – Former Minister of the Sea, Maria Adelaide Ferreira – IPMA, Carlos Duarte (TBC)
16:1516:30
Partner Session

Fortuna – Nova SBE’s Tuna

Cultural interlude showcasing Portuguese academic tradition.

Presented by: Nova School of Business and Economics
16:3017:00
Break

Coffee Break – Blue Innovation Hub

Networking break at the Blue Innovation Hub and Sustainable Food Court.

17:0017:10
Keynote

Inspirational Talk – The Ocean and Portugal

Reflections on the importance of the ocean for Portugal.

Speakers: President of the Portuguese Republic (TBC)
17:1017:30
Keynote

Talk – Legislative Issues

Discussion on regulatory and governance challenges shaping ocean sustainability.

Speakers: Sérgio Carvalho – Oceano Azul Foundation
17:3018:20
Panel Discussion

Panel – EEKC (Environmental Economics Knowledge Center)

Moderated debate on scaling impact in ocean sustainability and the blue economy.

Speakers: Invited experts from EEKC (TBC)
18:2018:30
Closing

Closing Remarks

Key takeaways and next steps.

Speakers: Diogo Silva – oikos Lisbon
18:3020:00
Break

Cocktail Reception – Blue Innovation Hub

Informal networking with speakers and participants.

Note: This agenda is a draft and subject to change. Speaker confirmations and detailed session information will be updated as we approach the event date.