10–11 June 2026 | Aqaba, Jordan
From Coast to Coast: Shaping the Region’s Blue Future
10–11 June 2026 | Aqaba, Jordan
From Coast to Coast: Shaping the Region’s Blue Future
Building on the success of the 2024 edition, the 2nd Blue Economy Symposium brings together policymakers, investors, innovators, and development partners to move from dialogue to coordinated regional action.
With a strong regional focus, the symposium recognizes that marine ecosystems, climate risks, and economic opportunities extend beyond borders. It provides a platform to align strategies, share experiences, and develop joint solutions for sustainable blue growth.
King Abdullah II

Aligning national strategies to build a connected and resilient regional blue economy.

Coordinated responses to climate change impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems across the region, including spatial planning and decarbonization plans.

Scaling digital solutions, monitoring systems, and green technologies through regional and international collaboration while supporting entrepreneurial ventures and SMEs.

Developing eco-tourism routes and standards that link coastal destinations while protecting ecosystems.

Enabling private companies to access finance, trade, and partnerships in blue economy sectors.

Aligning regulations, standards, and enforcement to protect shared seas and coastal resources.

H.E. is a seasoned leader with extensive experience across the public and private sectors in Jordan. He has held senior executive and board-level positions spanning economic development, investment, tourism, and governance, alongside a strong military background that includes service with the Jordanian Armed Forces and the United Nations. He currently serves as Chief of the Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), bringing strategic leadership to Aqaba’s economic and development agenda.

He is a former Political Assistant to the Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service in charge of Peace, Security and Defence (2020-2023). Previously, he served as Senior Advisor on Peace and Security to the President of the UN General Assembly, and Counsellor in charge of North Africa and Middle East affairs in the EU Delegation to the United Nations (2015-2019). Other assignments included the EU Delegation to the African Union in Addis Ababa (2010-2012) and the EU Delegation in Chad (2007-2010). In the EEAS Headquarters, he has been in charge of Mali and Sahel (2012-2014), Syria (2014), he has also worked in the Western Balkans Directorate (2019).
He holds an M.A. in Public Administration from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (2002), an M.A. in Literature from the Sorbonne University (2003) and an M.A. in European Studies from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (2004). Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas is a dual national from Cyprus and France. He is married with five children.

H.E. Hussein Al-Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), has over 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors. He plays a key role in positioning Aqaba as a dynamic economic hub, driving investment in various industries. As Chairman of Aqaba Ports and Aqaba International School, he is dedicated to the region's educational, social, and economic growth. With extensive experience in real estate development, he has led business development and marketing efforts. Mr. Al-Safadi holds a B.Sc. in
Economics and Politics with a minor in Public Administration and Strategic Studies from the United Kingdom, and has become a regional expert in investment, tourism, and real estate, significantly contributing to Aqaba's development.

Prior to this appointment, Randa was UNDP Resident Representative for Egypt (2019- 2021) and UNDP Country Director in Egypt since January 2017. She also served as UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Algeria (2013-2016) and UNDP Country Director in Yemen (2010-2013). Prior to that, she was Special Advisor to the Directorate (2007-2010) and Programme Advisor (2005-2006) in the Regional Bureau for Arab States in New York, USA. In 2004-2005, she was Assistant Resident Representative in UNDP Yemen and Policy Specialist/Programme Management in UNDP Lebanon during 1995- 2004. Randa holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management from the University of London, a Master of Arts in Social and Behavioural Science and Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. She speaks Arabic, English and French. Randa took up her new assignment as UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan on 2 October 2021
The symposium features a dynamic, interactive format combining keynote presentations, panel discussions, and audience engagement.
Each session will start with an introduction presentation by a subject matter expert, followed by a panel discussion that includes 2 to 4 stakeholders after which the floor will be opened for questions and answers. Breakout sessions will also be held. On the second day a field visit will be organized for international participants.
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