The 11th Our Ocean Conference has officially come to a close in Mombasa, Kenya, delivering $5.7 billion worth of commitments.

The conference was aimed at strengthening global action on ocean conservation, climate resilience and the blue economy.

The conference, which brought six thousand delegates under one roof, reflected on the progress made and the work that still lies ahead.

Kenya's Principal Secretary of Blue Economy & Fisheries, Betsy Njagi, says, "We have shown that protecting our ocean must go hand in hand with creating jobs, attracting investment, strengthening livelihoods and expanding opportunities for our people."

Kenya says the conference marked a shift from discussion to implementation, with a stronger focus on partnerships, investment and innovation.

The European Union (EU) also reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation in protecting the world's oceans.

Costas Kadis is the EU's commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans.

"The ocean needs us as much as we need it. Our action for the ocean depends on each and every one of us taking a stand and staying committed."

From marine conservation and sustainable fisheries to renewable energy and blue economy investment, delegates have spent the past three days exploring solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our oceans. 

The United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Ocean, Peter Thomson, urged countries to maintain momentum and continue advancing global ocean action.

"It's indeed a course set with bountiful opportunities for tangible collaboration and headway. But the tide waits for no one. So all aboard for the voyage ahead. May we stay true to our course, and along the way, may we have fair winds and following seas."

Kenyan President William Ruto said the conference delivered more than 300 commitments worth an estimated 5.7 billion US dollars, aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and growing sustainable ocean economies.

"Delivering in full the commitments that have been made will expand our maritime and marine protected areas, restore our fisheries, combat climate change, cut pollution, build sustainable blue economies, and strengthen maritime security, ultimately growing our shared ocean wealth. We did not come to Mombasa to add our names to a longer list of promises. We came to turn the tide. Let the measure of this conference not be what we pledged on the shore but what we deliver in the waters."

As the curtain falls on the 11th Our Ocean Conference, the focus now shifts from commitments to implementation. The conference has also officially handed over to Canada, which will host the 12th edition of the Our Ocean Conference.