Tribune Bleue 2026: at the Sorbonne, young people gave voice to the ocean

Against the prestigious backdrop of theUniversité Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, the Tribune Bleue brought together a new generation of committed speakers from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Students, young sailors, journalists, designers, lawyers, engineers and entrepreneurs: all shared, each in their own way, the same conviction: the ocean must take its rightful place in public debate.

The morning’s proceedings were opened by Catherine Chabauds, Minister of State for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, the first woman to have sailed solo round the world. Her presence lent a special significance to this final event, which was characterised by the passing on of knowledge, commitment and a maritime mindset.

Before a high-calibre jury, chaired by Dona Bertarelli – a philanthropist committed to protecting the ocean – the eleven finalists delivered challenging, insightful and daring speeches. The jury also included prominent figures from the maritime, institutional, diplomatic and public speaking sectors, amongst whom were Corinne Breuzé Vice-President of the Société des membres de la Légion d’honneur, and Pierre Faury French public speaking champion.

Once again held under the patronage of the Society of Members of the Legion of Honour, the Tribune Bleue reaffirms its ambition: to create a space where young people can take on the major challenges facing the oceans and champion them with vigour, clarity and conviction.

Eleven finalists representing a committed generation

The finalists for the 2026 edition were selected from among 346 candidates. Their backgrounds reflect the diversity of the people who are currently committed to protecting the seas:

• Émilie Duccinis, Institut Polytechnique de Paris & École nationale des ponts et chaussées, engineering student;
• Sergeolyn Moukagni, RegenSchool, student of innovation and sustainability management;
• Margo Guiguin; ENSM (École Nationale Supérieure Maritime); trainee seafarer;
• Lucie HacquesHEC Paris, a student on a ‘grande école’ programme;
• Édouard TournafondUniversité Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, a student specialising in arbitration law and commercial contracts;
• Zoé Mamis from Panthéon-Assas University, a student of public international law;
• Omrane Slamani from Lycée Saint-Louis, a student on a preparatory course;
• Paul-Lionel Quiviger of the Medi 1 Group, radio journalist and TV commentator;
• Anyssa El Ahmer-Jossien at SKEMA Business School, a student and ambassador for her school;
• Samian Toutains, Institut Catholique de Paris, political science student;
• Alice Malphettes: L’École Française, designer and entrepreneur.

Through their high standards, creativity and ability to embody the major challenges facing the oceans, these eleven finalists are already shaping the future of a generation set to make its mark.

Two prizes to recognise boldness and emotion

Following the speeches, the Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy Grand Prix was awarded to Omrane Slamani for a particularly bold speech, which was praised by the jury.

The Audience Award Marine & Océans was presented to Margo Guiguin, who captivated the audience with a performance combining spoken word and song, and won over the audience as measured by the applause meter.

Beyond the awards, this final showcased eleven unique voices – eleven different ways of talking about the ocean, its vulnerabilities, its power, the ways it is imagined and its future.

An opportunity for young leaders to learn from leading figures in the maritime world

The presence of the jury members helped to make this second edition of the Tribune Bleue an occasion characterised by high standards and meaningful engagement. Through their attentiveness, their feedback to the candidates and their discussions with the finalists, they helped to foster a genuine dialogue between young people and those who have, for many years, been at the forefront of major maritime causes.

Deep Blue Foundation extends its sincerest thanks to Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, the Main Partner of this year’s event, as well as to all the members of the jury, the partners and the audience present at the Sorbonne.

The morning also featured a musical interlude centred on Charles Aznavour and Jacques Brel, with the audience joining in, lending this finale a moment of conviviality and shared emotion.

This Saturday, 25 April, in the Grand Amphithéâtre Richelieu, the sea did not merely make an appearance at the Sorbonne. It found its voice there.