The 6^th World Ocean Summit in Abu Dhabi is  off to a good start for the James Michel Foundation which is being represented by the Vice Chairman of the Board, Professor Denis Hardy and Acting Chief Executive Officer, Antoine Onezime.

The Executive Chairman of the Foundation, Former President James Michel had to cancel his participation at the last minute in order to be in Seychelles for the state funeral of Former President France Albert Rene who passed away last week.

Mr. Michel who had been invited to address the summit is still expected to do so but through a video presentation.

The James Michel Foundation along with the Seychelles Head of Mission to the UAE, Ambassador Jean Claude Adrienne and the newly appointed Principal Secretary for Blue Economy, Mr. Kenneth Racombo were invited to a meeting with billionaire Raymond Dalio who is the CEO and Founder of Bridgewater Associate, the world's largest hedge fund. He is also the founder of Dalio Foundation Inc, a family philanthropic organisation.

Recently Mr. Dalio along with one of his sons launch the OceanX initiative which aims to unite scientific research, technology, exploration, film making and social media to explore the world’s oceans. Key to the success of the project is the M/V Alucia 2, “the most advanced science and media vessel ever built” featuring cutting edge onboard wet and dry marine research labs, manned and autonomous deep-sea submersibles, helicopters, drone and production and media facilities. the vessel is expected to be launched later this year.

Mr. Dalio is looking at the South West Indian Ocean as the location for the first exploratory missions with Seychelles as potentially one of the first ports of call.

Both the government and the James Michel Foundation have welcomed the initiative which stands to benefit the country as a whole.

The Foundation has also met with representatives of different organisations to explore cooperation possibilities.

This year’s edition of the Summit which kicked off this afternoon at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi has attracted some one thousand delegates from across the globe.

It has been organised by the Economist Group’s World Ocean Initiative, under the patronage of the United Arab Emirates’ government. It is aimed at building bridges between governments and businesses, and to catalyse meaningful progress towards a sustainable blue economy.

It brings together political leaders and policymakers, heads of global business, scientists, NGOs and multilaterals from across the globe.