Ocean Governance in the Indo-Pacific: Law, Security, and Sustainability in a Changing Region Conference 2026

Ocean Governance in the Indo-Pacific: Law, Security and Sustainability in a Changing Region

Hosted by Adelaide University

Dates: Monday, 16 November to Tuesday, 17 November 2026

Location: Adelaide University City East Campus, Adelaide, Australia

Click here to view the full program

About the Conference

The Adelaide University School of Law invites academics, policymakers, practitioners, students and members of the wider community to attend the Ocean Governance in the Indo-Pacific Conference 2026, a major international forum examining the legal, security and environmental challenges shaping the future of our oceans.

The Indo-Pacific sits at the centre of some of the world's most significant strategic, economic and environmental transformations. Increasing geopolitical competition, growing maritime security concerns, climate change impacts, biodiversity loss, and emerging questions around ocean resources are reshaping how ocean spaces are governed across the region.

Over two days, the conference will bring together leading international and Australian experts, including judges, scholars, government representatives, defence and maritime practitioners, policy specialists, and emerging researchers to explore pathways towards more effective, cooperative and sustainable ocean governance.

A conference networking reception will be held on the evening of Monday 16 November, providing attendees with further opportunities to connect and continue discussions in an informal setting.

Join us in Adelaide for two days of discussion, collaboration and forward-thinking ideas on the future of ocean governance in the Indo-Pacific.

Sessions will examine a range of pressing issues, including:

• The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the future of maritime order

• Maritime security and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific

• Grey-zone operations and regional stability

• Climate change, environmental security and ocean futures

• Biodiversity conservation and sustainable ocean management

• Deep seabed mining and the common heritage of humankind

• Fisheries governance and maritime cooperation

• Ocean justice, knowledge systems and Indigenous perspectives

• Emerging legal and policy challenges in regional ocean governance

This conference is supported by:

• Adelaide University School of Law

• Research Unit on Military Law and Ethics (RUMLAE)

• Environmental and Natural Resources Law (ENREL) Research Unit

Special accommodation rates have been arranged for registered conference attendees at the following hotels. Both options are conveniently located within walking distance of the conference venue.

1. Majestic Roof Garden Hotel

55 Frome Street, Adelaide SA 5000

Conference attendees can receive 15% off the best available rate for stays between 14-18 November 2026.

• Promo code: OCEAN26

The booking link below has the promo code pre-loaded. Participants can select their preferred stay dates within the conference period when making their booking.

Book your stay at Majestic Roof Garden Hotel

Rooms and discounted rates are subject to availability at the time of booking.

2. ibis Adelaide

122 Grenfell Street, Adelaide SA 5000

A preferential conference rate of 15% off the best available rate is also available at ibis Adelaide for stays between 14-18 November 2026.

To access the preferential rate, use the following details when booking:

• Client code: SCP4630878

• Access code: EC465AU557

Book your stay at ibis Adelaide

Rooms and discounted rates are subject to availability at the time of booking.

We recommend booking accommodation early to secure your preferred dates and the conference rate.