At the 2026 edition of the World Entrepreneurs Investment Forum in Bahrain, UNIDO and the World Trade Centers Association announced their UNIDO–WTCA Global Call 2026 on Blue Economy, unveiling a new global innovation challenge dedicated to the sustainable use of ocean and freshwater resources.

Pamela Pascual, CEO of WTC Manila, and Dino Fortunato, Deputy Head of UNIDO ITPO Italy, officially marked the transition from the Orange Economy to the Blue Economy, signaling a renewed global focus on sustainable ocean-based industries.

From orange to blue, the 2026 Global Call will mobilize high-impact innovators to present solutions that can deliver tangible impact in developing countries and Small Island Developing States.

Photo credits: UNIDO ITPO Bahrain