The 2025 TIOF is now underway!

2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum Gathers Global Maritime Strategy and Blue Economy Leaders to Shape the Vision for Indo-Pacific Security and Sustainable Development
2025/06/19

Amid increasingly complex global geopolitical dynamics and emerging security challenges, ocean-related issues have transcended traditional conservation concerns to become a key strategic domain critical to regional stability and economic growth. To strengthen Taiwan’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific and deepen international partnerships, the Ocean Affairs Council is proud to host the 2025 Taiwan International Ocean Forum (TIOF), taking place from July 2 to 3, 2025, at the NTU Hospital International Convention Center.

This year’s forum centers around the dual themes of Maritime Security and the Blue Economy, engaging with forward-looking topics such as maritime governance mechanisms, sustainable ocean resource development, and models for regional economic cooperation. The forum will gather over 100 participants from more than 15 Indo-Pacific countries, including top experts, policymakers, government representatives, renowned think tank scholars, and industry leaders, to contribute vision and insights into a new paradigm of Indo-Pacific ocean governance.

Notable International Guests Include:

• Mr. Hitoshi Kawada, Member of the House of Representatives, Liberal Democratic Party, Japan
• Mr. Yamato Aoyama & Mr. Kentaro Gemma, Members of the House of Representatives, Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan
• The Rt Hon Sir Gavin Williamson, Member of Parliament and former Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom
• Dr. Rokhmin Dahuri, Member of Parliament and former Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia
• Mr. Piero Tozzi, Staff Director, Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), USA
• Mr. Thomas P. McDevitt, Chairman, The Washington Times, USA
• Ms. Cynthia Barzuna, Director, Ocean Action 2030, World Resources Institute (WRI)

Through two days of high-level dialogue and interdisciplinary exchange, the forum will highlight Taiwan’s policy strengths and global vision in shaping Indo-Pacific maritime security mechanisms and leading international blue economy initiatives. The event aims not only to deepen strategic alignment on maritime security among nations but also to foster sustainable resource utilization and innovation-driven industrial partnerships, underscoring Taiwan’s role as a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific.

Solidifying Indo-Pacific Cooperation, Positioning Taiwan at the Core of Ocean Strategy

Joining Hands for Maritime Security, Building a Harmonious Future

In light of growing geopolitical tensions and strategic pressures, the opening session on the first morning—“Challenges in Indo-Pacific Maritime Security”—will bring together senior security and strategy experts from Japan, South Korea, India, Israel, the United States, and Taiwan to examine the increasingly complex threats in the region’s maritime domain. Topics will include gray zone operations, subsea cable protection, maritime militias, and quasi-blockades, offering comprehensive analysis of key challenges in the Indo-Pacific security landscape.

Continuing the security dialogue, the afternoon session “Beyond the Fog: Co-Creating a Harmonious Future” will focus on a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), covering cooperation in maritime domain awareness (IPMDA), joint law enforcement, humanitarian assistance, and counter-illegal activities. It will highlight the importance of collaboration among like-minded countries in upholding maritime order and regional peace.

A “High-Level Dialogue” hosted by The Washington Times President Thomas McDevitt will feature Minister Kuan Bi-Ling of Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council, alongside prominent parliamentarians from the UK and Japan and senior national security officials, discussing visions for Indo-Pacific ocean cooperation.

The session on “Key Dialogues in Ocean Governance” will include representatives from the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), Belgium, India, Australia, and Taiwan, focusing on global ocean governance trends and showcasing Taiwan’s concrete contributions to regional stability and sustainable development.

Economic Resilience as the Foundation for a Sustainable Blue Future

Day two of the forum shifts focus to “Blue Economy Development and ESG Transition”, tackling macro trends such as global supply chain restructuring and the net-zero transition. Topics will include green shipping, blue carbon markets, critical marine minerals, and blue finance, featuring insights from international think tanks and experts from The Economist (UK), Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (Japan), the Israel National Center for Blue Economy, Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (KOMERI), and partner nations under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Under the broader theme of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), discussions will delve into smart monitoring technologies, sustainable fisheries, and carbon trading financial mechanisms. These showcase Taiwan’s ability to integrate technological innovation with international governance standards. By positioning Taiwan as a regional collaboration hub, the forum seeks to aggregate Asian blue innovation resources and drive ocean industry upgrades aligned with responsible global investment.

Youth Engagement: Shaping the Future of Ocean Innovation

A special session titled “Next Generation: Keys to a Harmonious and Sustainable Future” is dedicated to encouraging youth participation in ocean affairs through creativity, passion, and professionalism. Young leaders from Taiwan, Japan, the U.S., and India will share experiences in marine tech entrepreneurship, sustainable tourism, climate action, digital diplomacy, and international advocacy. This platform illustrates how young people evolve from participants to change-makers, strengthening transnational partnerships and injecting sustainable energy into the Indo-Pacific region.

A Premier Annual Event Showcasing Taiwan’s Ocean Leadership

The Taiwan International Ocean Forum is not only a testament to Taiwan’s commitment to ocean democracy, blue economy development, and regional security cooperation—it also highlights Taiwan’s active and constructive role in global ocean affairs. In response to dynamic global challenges, Taiwan remains steadfast in voicing its stance, deepening international engagement, and collaborating with like-minded nations to build a more secure, sustainable, and prosperous maritime future.