The 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) has convened in Mombasa, Kenya, marking the first time the event is held in Africa. This crucial global negotiation brings together leaders, policymakers, scientists, and private sector representatives to drive tangible actions for ocean conservation, climate resilience, and the sustainable blue economy. The conference theme, "Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future," emphasizes the urgent need for healthier, more resilient oceans, which absorb significant carbon, support global populations, and facilitate trade. Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry highlighted Africa's growing leadership in this domain, stressing that ocean health is intrinsically linked to planetary survival and that current degradation is a present reality, not a future threat. Kenya's Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho underscored the importance of translating commitments into implementation and leveraging the blue economy for African growth, while President William Ruto called for international support to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 and combat illegal fishing.