World Oceans Day 2025; June 8th.

FORUM: “Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us." World Oceans Day 2025. This year, we celebrate the ocean’s essential wonder from all of the wonders it consists of to the wonder it ignites, and call on decision-makers to not lose sight the ocean’s wonder when determining its fate. Wonder is the foundation of scientific knowledge, the allure behind exploration, the curiosity that drives innovation, and the seed of traditional wisdom. In the face of increasingly daunting challenges, the act of wondering serves to remind us that we are part of something bigger. It wakes us up to our inherent connection to the earth and to each other, expands our understanding of what is possible, empowers innovation and prioritizes decision-making for collective well-being. The ocean’s wonder is what draws us in and often drives our desire to protect it. Join the conversation with the hashtags: #WorldOceansDay, #8june, #OceanFirst.

EVENTS: The UN World Oceans Day 2025 will adopt a refreshed format in Nice, France on 8 June during the UN World Ocean Conference 2025. The high-level 2025 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (the 2025 UN Ocean Conference) will be co-hosted by France and Costa Rica and held in Nice, France, from 9 – 13 June 2025. The overarching theme of the Conference is “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”. The Conference aims to support further and urgent action to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development and identify further ways and means to support the implementation of SDG 14. It will build on existing instruments to form successful partnerships towards the swift conclusion and effective implementation of ongoing processes that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean. The Conference will involve all relevant stakeholders, bringing together Governments, the United Nations system, intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions, other interested international bodies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, Indigenous Peoples and local communities and other actors to assess challenges and opportunities relating to, as well as actions taken towards, the implementation of Goal 14. The Conference will build on the previous UN Ocean Conferences, hosted by Sweden and Fiji in 2017 in New York and by Portugal and Kenya in 2022 in Lisbon. Join us in creating a wave of momentum in celebration of the ocean’s Wonder as we lead up to this year’s event. Register commitments; read the Information Note; Programme of public event in the Whale; Now Available: Venue Directory Map; Overflow rooms available in the Blue Zone and Green Zone for the Opening Ceremony on 9 June; New link to sign up to the UNOC3 newsletter; UNOC3 Side Events Updates (Now Available: Blue Zone Side Events); Now Available: Concept Papers for the Ocean Action Panels..

DECLARATIONS & LETTERS: 2025 UN Ocean Conference Declaration (zero draft); DESA 2025 Assessments of Voluntary Commitments; Letter from PGA to MS on the Selection of Co-Chairs for UNOC3, 27 March 2025 [EN][FR]; Stakeholder Inputs to the 2025 UN Ocean Conference Declaration - key topics and recommendations online; PGA letter to all Member States on 2025 UN Ocean Conference Declaration zero draft and covering letter, 13 December 2024; Letter from co-facilitators regarding 2025 UN Ocean Conference Declaration zero draft, 13 December 2024

At UNHQ, an hybrid -event hosted both virtually and in-person will be held on June 8th from 10:00 AM to 13:30 PM EDT to celebrate the United Nations World Oceans Day 2025. Policy-makers, scientists, managers, thought leaders, and artists are invited for the celebration hosted by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs (DOALOS) in partnership with Oceanic Global. Register to participate!

From April 15 - June 8: Sea Wonder: Share Wonder – A Global Call for Art; Hosted by PangeaSeed, Sea Wonder: Share Wonder is a global art campaign celebrating the emotional and scientific beauty of the ocean. In alignment with the 2025 UN World Oceans Day theme of Wonder, we invite artists worldwide to submit original works that explore the ocean’s power to spark curiosity, foster connection, and inspire care. Up to 20 selected artworks will be featured in a global digital gallery and offered as free downloadable resources for educators, advocates, and communities. The top 10 artists will also receive special recognition and opportunities to grow their creative impact. This campaign launches the New Wave

From May 19 - June 9: The Ocean Exhibition – Redbridge International School at the Redbridge International School Campo de Ourique Rua Francisco Metrass, 97, Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal. "The Ocean" exhibition celebrates both European Maritime Day (May 21) and World Oceans Day (June 8), by emphasizing the generosity of the Ocean' and the need for Maritime communities (such […]

From May 23, 2025 to May 31, 2026: Ocean Lovers Art Show for Oceanic Global by Selva Ozelli. The theme for World Oceans Day 2025 is "Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us" highlighting the ocean's wonder and the need to protect it, recognizing the importance of its role in […]

From June 1 to June 8: World Ocean Week – Ocean Culture Life at Sunset Bay, La Saline Car Park, La Verte Rue, Jersey JE3 2DL Sunset Bay, La Saline Car Park, La Verte Rue, Jersey JE3 2DL, Jersey, La Verte Rue, United Kingdom. The World Ocean Week (WOW) is Ocean Culture Life's flagship initiative, celebrating the ocean as the lifeblood of our planet. Designed to inspire collective action, WOW 2025 will bring together communities, […]

From June 1 @ 8:00 am tp July 16 @ 5:00 pm - SEMANA DE LOS OCÉANOS MÉXICO - Ciclo de Actividades - Semana del Océano 2025 Del 1° de junio al 20 de julio, un calendario lleno de experiencias para inspirar, aprender y actuar: 1 de […]

From June 2 @ 8:00 am tp June 30 @ 5:00 pm: Sounds of The Ocean at The Well Toronto, ON The Well Toronto, ON, Toronto, Canada. The Sounds of the Ocean is an award-winning immersive experience that invites you and your family into the heart of the deep blue sea. For a limited time, Arcadia Earth is […]

EXHIBITS AND FESTIVALS: Explore the list of the WOD 2025 worldwide events.

PHOTO COMPETITION: The 2025 Photo Competition for UN World Oceans Day is free and open to the public. The 12th Annual competition is intended to explore four thematic categories open for submission. The categories are purposefully broad to encourage photographers' interpretations and artistic visions. The chosen 2025 Categories For Photo Contest are: Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us; Underwater Seascapes; Big and Small Underwater Faces; Above Water Seascapes.

PUBLICATION: Issued three times a year, the Bulletin provides cogent and timely information on issues related to the Convention on the Law of the Sea - ‘the constitution for the ocean’ - and contains the most recent legal materials relevant to the law of the sea. It includes national legislation, bilateral agreements and multilateral treaties as well as information on decisions of the International Court of Justice, arbitral tribunals and other dispute settlement procedures. Law of the Sea Bulletin - Current Issue.

CAMPAIGN: Unite for the Ocean.

World Oceans Day 2024; June 8th.

FORUM: "Awaken new depths." World Oceans Day 2024. This year theme acknowledges that while we know little of the ocean compared to its immense vastness, what we do know is that the consequences of our actions are evident throughout its waters – and that human activity is increasingly devastating the ocean as well as placing the survival of our entire blue planet at risk. Join the conversation with the hashtags: #WorldOceansDay, #8june, #OceanFirst.

EVENTS: At UNHQ, an hybrid -event hosted both virtually and in-person will be held on June 8th from 10:00 AM to 13:30 PM EDT to celebrate the United Nations World Oceans Day 2024. The event will take us on a journey of discovery through the ocean's vastness, tapping into the wisdom and expertise of global policy-makers, scientists, managers, thought leaders, and artists to awaken new depths of understanding, compassion, collaboration and commitment for the ocean and all it sustains. The celebration is hosted by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs (DOALOS) in partnership with Oceanic Global. 

Schedule: Depths of Commitment. 

10:00 AM - Opening Remarks & Performance.

10:25 AM - Planetary Boundary Keynotes.

10:50 AM - Depths of Understanding: Science & Wisdom Fireside Chat. 

11:15 AM - Depths of Compassion: New Depths Spotlights 

11:50 AM - Winners Announced: Photo Competition. 12:05 PM - Musical Performanc. 

12:10 PM - Depths of Collaboration: Blue Economy Panel. 13:00 PM - Closing Remarks & Performance. 

Register to participate and Watch the events! 

PUBLICATION: Issued three times a year, the Bulletin provides cogent and timely information on issues related to the Convention on the Law of the Sea - ‘the constitution for the ocean’ - and contains the most recent legal materials relevant to the law of the sea. It includes national legislation, bilateral agreements and multilateral treaties as well as information on decisions of the International Court of Justice, arbitral tribunals and other dispute settlement procedures. Law of the Sea Bulletin - Current Issue.

SEMINARS, CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS

Advancing the united nations world ocean assessment - Supporting future ocean sustainability and informing decision making and oceans policy.

Rio+20: Concrete outcomes are needed at key forum on sustainable development, Ban says-

Rio+20 must result in ‘concrete’ decisions to advance sustainable development – Ban

 

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) greets journalists before his briefing on the upcoming UN Sustainable Development Conference. UN Photo/JC McIlwaine

6 June 2012 – With just two weeks until the start of a major United Nations sustainable development conference, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged countries to step up efforts to achieve concrete decisions to reduce poverty while promoting decent jobs, clean energy and more sustainable and fair use of resources.

“Rio+20 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make real progress towards the sustainable economy of the future,” Mr. Ban told a press conference at UN Headquarters in New York, referring to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) that will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 20 to 22 June.
More than 100 heads of State and government, along with thousands of parliamentarians, mayors, UN officials, Chief Executive Officers and civil society leaders are expected to attend Rio+20 to shape new policies to promote prosperity, reduce poverty and advance social equity and environmental protection.
The gathering follows on from the Earth Summit in 1992, also held in Rio de Janeiro, during which countries adopted Agenda 21 – a blueprint to rethink economic growth, advance social equity and ensure environmental protection.
Mr. Ban said that there is still much work ahead, but foundations are in place for agreement on the remainder of the negotiating text that is expected to become the outcome of the conference.
“I expect the negotiators to accomplish this in the days before ministers and world leaders arrive in Rio. Leaders will then act to resolve all outstanding issues,” he stated. “Their job is to achieve renewed political commitment for sustainable development. We aspire to nothing less than a global movement for generational change.”
Negotiators concluded the last round of Rio+20 preparatory talks – focussed on the gathering’s outcome document – in New York last Saturday, and they have now reached agreement on more than 20 per cent of the document, with many additional paragraphs close to agreement.
The Secretary-General cited several “concrete outputs” he expected from Rio+20, which he said will improve the lives of people around the world.
The first is to agree to define a path to an inclusive green economy that will lift people from poverty and protect the global environment, he said, adding that this requires international collaboration, investment, and an exchange of experiences and technology among countries.
Second, leaders should agree to define sustainable development goals with clear and measurable targets and indicators. These so-called “SDGs” will be a central part of the post-2015 global development framework, he stated.
Also needed are decisions on key elements of the institutional framework for sustainable development, as well as strong, action-oriented outcomes on a wide range of cross-cutting areas, such as food security and sustainable agriculture, oceans, gender equality and women’s empowerment, education and energy.
Progress is also required in the area of implementation, including reaffirming past commitments and initiatives on trade, financing for development, technology transfer and capacity building, the UN chief said.
In addition, more partnerships with civil society and the private sector – strategic alliances that can galvanize global public support and drive change – are important.
“Ultimately, Rio+20 will be measured in the transformation it sets in motion – the lives it changes for the better,” said Mr. Ban.
“Our hopes for future prosperity, health and stability rest on finding a path that integrates the economic, social and environmental pillars of development,” he added. “Sustainable development is an idea whose time has come. It is the future we want.”
Following the latest round of negotiations in New York, the next and final preparatory talks will be held in Rio de Janeiro from 13 to 15 June, just ahead of the Conference.
“I sense a real dialogue – a real willingness to find common ground,” said the Secretary-General of Rio+20, Sha Zukang, in the wake of the New York talks. “This spirit is encouraging and we must carry it to Rio.”
Addressing a press conference at UN Headquarters today, the President of the General Assembly, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, said that it is important that the negotiations focus on the “big picture” and not just individual national interests or individual group interests.
“Rio+20 is about setting the world on the right course for sustainable growth for future generations,” he told reporters. “The real work will begin after the conference is over, when we will need concrete action on various key areas of concern.”

News Tracker: past stories on this issue

Countries begin last round of talks on outcome document ahead of Rio+20 conference

Rio+20: Concrete outcomes are needed at key forum on sustainable development, Ban says

Blue Carbon: 2 Ocean Minutes with Jim Toomey

Blue Carbon: 2 Ocean Minutes with Jim Toomey Keywords: OCEANS Thematic Areas: Climate Change

Secretary-General's message on World Environment Day

Latest Statements

New York, 5 June 2012 - Secretary-General's message on World Environment Day

As the world gears up for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), World Environment Day is an opportunity to highlight the need for a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable world.  This year’s theme, “Green Economy: Does it include you?”, underscores the need for everyone to play their part in keeping humankind's ecological footprint within planetary boundaries.
The world’s population stands at 7 billion and may rise to more than 9 billion by 2050.  This means greater pressure on already crowded cities – where more than half of all people now live – and on natural resources, as demand for food, water and energy rises.  It also means more people in search of decent jobs.  Globally, 1.3 billion people are currently unemployed or under-employed.  An estimated half billion more will join the job market over the next decade.
Sustainability entails providing opportunity for all by balancing the social, economic and environmental dimensions of development.  We have to rebut the myth that there is conflict between economic and environmental health.  With smart policies and the right investments, countries can protect their environment, grow their economies, generate decent jobs and accelerate social progress.
Rio+20 is our opportunity to deepen global commitment to sustainable development.  In Rio, we should agree that measuring growth and wealth by Gross Domestic Product alone is inadequate.  We should agree that the world needs a set of sustainable development goals that will build on the Millennium Development Goals.  And we should make progress on some of the building blocks of sustainability – energy, water, food, cities, oceans, jobs and the empowerment of women.
Sustainability is gaining prominence on the public policy agenda in both developed and developing nations.  The UN itself is working towards climate neutrality and sustainable management of our offices and activities.  In Rio, we must mobilize the partnerships we need to shift the world onto a more sustainable trajectory of growth and development.  On this World Environment Day, in advance of this historic conference, I urge governments, businesses and all members of society to make the holistic choices that will ensure a sustainable future – the future we want.

Make a Pledge - The Pledge - One Ocean: The Nature of Things with David Suzuki: CBC-TV

Think resourcefully, reduce consumption and waste, get involved and protect the ocean.

Enter the ocean and experience it in a very personal way. Explore the past, present and future of the world's oceans and our race against the clock to save them.




 

A presentation of the Census of Antarctic Marine Life (CAML).

It covers the Antarctic marine science and discoveries of CAML, a part of the global Census of Marine Life (CoML) during the International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2009

The movie was shown at the Royal Society in London, October, 2010 as part of the gala finale of the IPY.

Make a Pledge - The Pledge - One Ocean: The Nature of Things with David Suzuki: CBC-TV

• Ask about the sustainability of fish at retailers and restaurants. Ask a local fish retailer and restaurant owner about the sustainability of the products they sell.
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• Buy fish directly from fishers on the dock. Learn about locally caught fish to contribute to sustainability.
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• Buy locally and purchase organic. Buy locally to eliminate the need for transport, and choose organic products to reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides.
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• Celebrate World Oceans Day and Rivers to Ocean Week. Help celebrate World Oceans Day, June 8 and Rivers to Ocean Week, June 8 - 14.
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• Challenge local politicians to take action on sewage treatment. Write to local politicians in areas where sewage is not being treated, and stress the importance of responsible treatment procedures.
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• Check the source of omega-3 products. Check the source of omega-3 products to limit menhaden harvesting.
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• Choose vacation spots that support coral protection. Find out about the conservation policies of resorts you may visit.
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• Collect garbage from beaches, lake shores or riverbanks. Clean up surrounding neighbourhoods, and set an example for others so local areas will be kept in good condition.
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• Count and identify seabirds along the shore. Understand the connection between sea birds and other marine life.
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• Demand more marine protected areas. Educate yourself, and then write the federal government and demand more marine protected areas.
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• Dispose of garbage properly, on land or water. Carry a washable bag and collect garbage while you're out and about.
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• Dispose of household hazardous wastes properly. Dispose of household hazardous wastes at proper waste disposal sites rather than dumping them down the drain or in the garbage.
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• Dive responsibly. Be sure to book tours with accredited operators in order to protect coral.
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• Eat more sustainable seafood. Eat more sustainable seafood species like sardines and mackerel.
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• Eat organically grown food. Eat organically grown food and avoid the chemicals and industrial fertilizers that end up in the ocean.
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• Explore a tide pool. Learn more about the diverse species that live in tide pools.
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• Garden with mesh screens. Using mesh screens to garden helps control weeds and keeps rainwater in the water table.
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• Go to the beach as often as possible. Learn how to appreciate the ocean by visiting often and developing a connection.
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• Help restore a wetland, bog or riverside. Get involved with community groups working toward restoring wetlands, bogs, and riverside areas.
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• Host a sustainable seafood dinner. Show your friends that eating sustainably can be helpful, fun and delicious.
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• Learn about the seafood people eat. Learn more about the seafood people commonly eat and how it is caught.
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• Learn about the source of meat products. Purchasing meat products responsibly can help to keep certain harmful wastes out of the ocean.
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• Learn how to dive or snorkel. Go diving or snorkelling to gain first-hand knowledge of the ocean and its creatures.
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• Learn how to identify local ocean species. Gain more knowledge about the diverse species living in the ocean.
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• Learn how we are all connected to the world's ocean. Learn how we, as society, are connected to the world's ocean, even if we don't live near it.
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• Learn more about northern marine ecosystems. Find out more about northern marine ecosystems, which support wildlife species found only in the Arctic.
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• Listen to elders' stories about ocean change. Listen to the stories of elders about the changes they have seen in the ocean.
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• Look for books, music, and movies about the ocean. Learn more about the ocean so you can help protect it.
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• Make a list of things the global ocean does for our planet. Find out how we're connected to the ocean and get motivated to help protect it.
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• No longer de-ice walkways with salt. Keep harmful chemicals from getting to the ocean by avoiding using them in your every day life.
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• Only buy vintage or fake coral jewellery. Don't purchase any coral items that were harvested unsustainably.
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• Organize or support an environmental fair. Organize or support an environmental fair with ocean-themed games and activities.
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• Plant as many trees as possible. Plant new trees to help absorb carbon dioxide, prevent erosion, and store rainwater to keep pollutants out of the ocean.
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• Post "No Dumping" & "No Littering" signs. Post "No Dumping" signs beside wetlands and rivers and "No Littering" signs on community property such as schoolyards.
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• Practice and promote recycling. Choose reusable products wherever possible, and recycle plastic materials.
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• Reduce personal carbon emissions. Develop a plan to reduce personal carbon emissions by 80 per cent.
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• Reduce pesticide use and ocean-bound contaminants. Support or initiate programs to reduce pesticide use and ocean-bound contaminants, especially along waterways.
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• Reduce plastic consumption. Reduce plastic consumption by choosing items with reusable or recyclable packaging.
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• Research environmentally-friendly alternatives to wasteful or hazardous products. Consult a local library or the Internet for information about environmentally- friendly alternatives to wasteful or hazardous products.
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• Research seaweed as a source of food and refuge for ocean species. Research the importance of seaweed as a source of food and refuge for many ocean species and learn how over-harvesting can affect marine life.
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• Research the fish that used to be in the ocean closest to home. Find out more about the number, species and size of fish that used to be in the ocean closest to your home.
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• Set-up a community acidification experiment. Set-up an acidification experiment with your circle of friends to show people how chalk disintegrates in vinegar, just like coral reefs will in an acidic ocean.
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• Share info about the affects of CO2 emissions. Read more about the affects of CO2 emissions on the ocean and share that information with others.
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• Study an ocean ecosystem. Study an ocean ecosystem, such as a kelp forest, coral reef, rocky shore or sandy beach.
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• Support conservation organizations. Support conservation organizations involved with protection of the oceans.
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• Teach a child how to responsibly catch and eat fish. Teach a child how to catch and eat fish while obeying local fishing regulations.
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• Tell politicians to stop ocean acidification. Tell politicians to stop ocean acidification by cutting CO2 emissions drastically and then start a petition to get others involved.
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• Use non-toxic cleaning products. Choose to purchase environmentally safe products for use in your household.
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• Visit an aquarium whenever possible. Learn new things about all of the different marine animals you can meet at an aquarium.
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• Watch an ocean documentary. Go to a theatre, watch online, or rent a movie about the ocean. You'll find out more about the many issues facing it.

New Partnerships Needed to Ensure Future of Marine Environments: UN - UNEP

On World Oceans Day, UNEP Launched the Guide to Ecosystem-based Management

Launched on World Oceans Day 2011, Taking Steps Toward Marine and Coastal Ecosystem-Based Management: An Introductory Guide, explains in simple, accessible language how sharing knowledge and best practices across different sectors can make marine management more effective.


New Partnerships Needed to Ensure Future of Marine Environments: UN - UNEP

Marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs, provide many valuable services, ranging from climate change mitigation to tourism and recreation