The 2024 Global Ocean Development Forum opens in the Qingdao West Coast New Area on Oct 24, and 30 agreements on key marine projects are signed on-site. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wang expressed his hope that every country can make good use of the forum as a platform to strengthen policy coordination and enhance interest integration. All parties could expand green cooperation to promote harmonious coexistence between people and nature. Efforts should also be made to strengthen innovation-driven development, promote the universal application of blue technology, and make greater contributions to improving ocean well-being.

"The Maldives is an island nation, and I am deeply interested in the development of the blue economy," said Ahmed Nazim, deputy speaker of the Parliament of the Maldives. He said that we are at a critical moment in determining the future of the blue economy. "For island nations like the Maldives, the blue economy is not just a policy goal but necessary for our survival. Let us work together to create a prosperous ocean."

"I believe that marine science is very important, and Qingdao plays a significant role in this area," said Vladimir Ryabinin, former executive secretary at the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO. He believes that the future of marine science and ocean management are intertwined, representing the future of development in the maritime sector. "The Ocean Decade Cooperation Center in Qingdao plays an important role and has immense potential."

During the opening ceremony, the 2024 China Ocean Development Index Report and the Qingdao Initiative were released. Thirty key marine project agreements were signed on-site, with a total investment of 65.6 billion yuan ($9.21 billion).