Secure your spot and be part of the movement for ocean sustainability.
OIS 2026 speaker
Peter Thomson
UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean
Ambassador Peter Thomson of Fiji is a distinguished diplomat and global ocean advocate appointed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean. In this capacity, he leads international efforts to galvanize action following the 2017 UN Ocean Conference, ensuring that global momentum for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources remains strong.
He also supports the implementation of more than 1,600 voluntary commitments and works to align the efforts of civil society, the scientific community, governments, and the private sector with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
Mr. Thomson brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished diplomatic career and deep familiarity with the United Nations system. As President of the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, he provided visionary leadership in the preparation and execution of the historic 2017 UN Ocean Conference.
His expertise in multilateral governance is further reflected in his service as President of the Assembly (2011–2012) and President of the Council (2015–2016) of the International Seabed Authority.
Throughout his career, he has held several high-level leadership roles, including Chair of the Group of 77 and China (2013) and President of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS (2014–2015). Prior to his international diplomatic service, he dedicated many years to the Government of Fiji, serving as a civil servant in the areas of rural development and foreign affairs.
His extensive experience in national administration and international diplomacy has made him a leading figure in the global movement to protect the world’s oceans and ensure their sustainability for future generations.