Theveli International Conference 2025 extended its academic discussions through a post-conference workshop titled “Global Ocean Politics: How Can We Connect Security, Economic, Environmental, and Justice Agendas?”, held on 21 August 2025. The workshop brought together 20 participants to explore sustainable ocean governance, focusing on maritime security, economic development, environmental protection and justice in the sustainable use of ocean resources.

The workshop was conducted by Prof. Dr. Christian Bueger, Professor of International Relations at the Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

The workshop addressed developments in global ocean politics since the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) entered into force in 1994. It examined the expansion of maritime activities and the challenges arising from competing interests in ocean use and management.

A central focus was the relationship between the blue economy, ocean health, maritime security and blue justice. These areas are often addressed through separate policy frameworks, despite their close connections. The workshop explored how these different priorities could be brought together to support more effective and equitable ocean governance.

The discussions were particularly relevant to small island developing states such as the Maldives, where the ocean is central to economic livelihoods, national security and environmental sustainability. The workshop considered the role of small island states in shaping international ocean policies and promoting approaches that recognise their particular needs and vulnerabilities.

Through this initiative, The Maldives National University (MNU) contributed to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water, particularly Target 14.c, which promotes the implementation of international law for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources. The workshop also supported SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, through its focus on maritime security and equitable governance, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by encouraging international dialogue on shared ocean challenges.

The initiative reflected MNU’s commitment to advancing research, knowledge exchange and informed discussions on sustainable ocean governance, particularly in the context of small island developing states.