Press Release
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Link to Press release 2
Secretary-General's Message on World Oceans Day
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Photo Exhibition Press Release
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Photo Exhibition
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WORLD OCEANS DAY 2013
Oceans & People
United Nations Headquarters
New York, USA
8 June 2013
‘Let us work together to create new waves of action for ocean sustainability – for people and the planet,’Mr. Ban said in a message marking the Day.’ From trade to food to climate regulation, the oceans are integral to all of humanity. This is particularly so for coastal dwellers whose income and culture are irrevocably bound to the sea,” the UN chief said. “If we are to fully benefit from the oceans, we must reverse the degradation of the marine environment due to pollution, overexploitation and acidification,” he said, urging all nations to work towards that end, including by joining and implementing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the broad based treaty governing the world's waters, often referred to as “the Constitution of the oceans.
WORLD OCEANS DAY 2012
UNCLOS @ 30
United Nations Headquarters
New York, USA
8 June 2012
"The protection of the world’s oceans and coasts is among the key goals of Rio+20 must mobilize the United Nations, governments and other partners to improve the management and conservation of oceans through initiatives to curb overfishing, improve protection of the marine environment and reduce ocean pollution and the impact of climate change.’ The Secretary-General also called on governments that have not done so to ratify the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which governs all aspects of ocean space, from delimitation of maritime boundaries, environmental regulations, scientific research, commerce and the settlement of international disputes involving marine issues.
Press Release
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Commemoration Video by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea
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Video of the Panel discussion to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the opening for signature of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
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Panelist presentation and statements
Dr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation of Japan
The importance of human capacity in the implementation of the Convention and beyond
Link to the Statement
H.E. Mr. Shunji Yanai, President, International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea
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H.E. Mr. Nii Odunton, Secretary-General, International Seabed Authority
The work of the International Seabed Authority
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Mr. Galo Carrera, Chairperson, Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf
30 years later... What do we know now ?
Link to the Presentation
Brochure "UNCLOS at 30"
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UN Radio: Interview with Patricia O'Brien, Legal Counsel, Office of Legal Affairs on
"UNCLOS at 30"
Link to the Radio Interview
UN Radio: General Assembly commemorates 30 years of Law of the Sea convention
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WORLD OCEANS DAY 2011
Our Oceans: greening our future
United Nations Headquarters
New York, USA
8 June 2011
“The world’s oceans are facing diverse challenges ranging from depleted fishery resources to the impacts of climate change, the deterioration of the marine environment, to issues of maritime safety and security, labour conditions for seafarers and the increasingly important issue of migration by sea. Secretary-General, in his message for World Oceans Day 2011, said “All activities and policies related to oceans and the marine environment need to acknowledge and incorporate the three pillars of sustainable development: environmental, social and economic. Only then can we achieve the development objectives set by the international community.”
Press Release
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Video of the Panel discussion for World Oceans Day 2011
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Video of the briefing Professor David Freestone on the occasion of World Oceans Day
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Panellist presentation and statements
Mrs. Maria Teresa Mesquita Pessôa, Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations
The sustainable development of the Oceans,Conserving the marine environment for the benefit of humankind
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Ms. Chandrika Sharma, International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF)
A socially-just approach to greening the oceans: What Rio+20 should aim for
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Dr. Rashid Sumaila, University of British Columbia, Canada
Economics of (un-)sustainability in global fisheries
Link to the Presentation
Mr. William Mott, The Ocean Project
Amercia, the Ocean and Climate Change:
New Research Insights for Conservation, Awareness and Action
Link to the Presentation
WORLD OCEANS DAY 2010
Our Oceans: Opportunities and Challenges
United Nations Headquarters
New York, USA
8 June 2010
“The world has already consumed 90 per cent of the global stock of large fish on the high seas — a third of it caught by illegal, unregulated and unreported vessels, according to marine experts and legal scholars who spoke at a Headquarters press conference today as the United Nations kicked off the second annual World Oceans Day. They said the rest of the fish could disappear by mid-century, threatening the well-being of oceans and humans alike, warning that, unless humankind reversed course soon, it could be too late. ‘The actions that will be taken, starting now, for the next 10 years, may be the most important in the next 10,000 years.”
Press Release
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Programme
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Trailer of the movie "Oceans" by Disney Nature, played in the General Assembly Hall
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Panellist presentation and statements
Professor Bernard H. Oxman, Richard A. Hausler, Professor of Law, University of Miami
The right of States to establish Maritime Zones under UNCLOS
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Professor Robert Beckman, Director, Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore
International Cooperation to combat Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships
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Ms. Emma Romano Sarne, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations
How effectively is UNCLOS operating as the Legal Framework for the Oceans and the Seas, particularly on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, including marine genetic resources ?
Link to the Statement
Professor Ted L. McDorman, Faculty of Law, University of Victoria
Enhancing the implementation of UNCLOS at the National Level
(with some comments on the review/amendment of UNCLOS)
Link to the Statement
Professor Lucia Fanning, Director of Marine Affairs Programme, Dalhousie University
Is regional Cooperation a way to enhance Ocean Governance ?
Link to the Statement
Professor David Freestone, Lobingier Visiting Professor of Comparative Law, and Jurisprudence, George Washington University
Closing Remarks
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WORLD OCEANS DAY 2009
Our Oceans, Our Responsibilities
United Nations Headquarters
New York, USA
8 June 2009
“The United Nations will officially observe World Oceans Day for the first time on 8 June, with the theme ‘Our Oceans, Our Responsibility’. The oceans cover about two-thirds of the surface of the Earth and affect all. They generate most of the oxygen we breathe, absorb carbon dioxide emissions, provide food and nutrients, regulate climate, and are important economically for countries that rely on tourism, fishing and other marine resources for income. Unfortunately the vitality of the world’s oceans is under threat due to human activity and climate change."
Press Release
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Programme
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Secretary General Message
Statement in: Arabic | Chinese | English | French | Russian | Spanish
International Ocean Institute (IOI) Children’s Artwork Exhibition at UN
Link to the Children Artwork Exhibition at the UN
Panelist presentation and statements
Dr. Lorna Inniss, Deputy Director, Coastal Zone Management Unit, Government of Barbados
The Status of Oceans Research
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Dr. Magnus Ngoile, Policy and Governance Coordinator, Agulhas and Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystems (ASCLME) Project
-Statement unavailable-
Ambassador Hasjim Djalal, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia, and Advisor to the Indonesian Navy's Chief of Staff, Indonesian Naval Forces
World Ocean Day: UNCLOS and the World Ocean Conference
Link to the Statement
Piracy and Anti-Piracy Measures
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Dr. Harlan Cohen, Advisor, Ocean Governance, Global Marine Programme, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Our Oceans, Our Responsibility
Link to the Statement
Dr. John Stegeman, Senior Scientist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and Director, Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health
Link to the Statement
WORLD OCEANS DAY 2014
"Ocean Sustainability: Together let's ensure oceans can sustain us into the future"
United Nations Headquarters
New York, USA
8 June 2014
The observance of World Oceans Day 2014 coincided with the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), known as the “Constitution for the Oceans.” UNCLOS provides a comprehensive legal regime for all ocean activities and is critical to the sustainable use of the world’s seas and oceans. “On this World Oceans Day, let us reflect on the multiple benefits of the oceans. Let us commit to keep them healthy and productive and to use their resources peacefully, equitably and sustainably for the benefit of current and future generations,” said the Secretary General.
Press Release
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Secretary-General's Message on World Oceans Day
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2014 Photo Contest Winners
Link to Photo Contest
WORLD OCEANS DAY 2015
"Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet."
United Nations Headquarters
New York, USA
8 June 2015
On World Oceans Day 2015, Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon observed the importance of the oceans for sustainable development and their role in landmark agreements on climate change and ending poverty to be adopted this year. He noted that "[i]n this potentially pivotal year, we must commit to using the gifts of the oceans peacefully, equitably and sustainably for generations to come."
The United Nations celebrated World Oceans Day 2015 and recognized the winners of the Annual World Oceans Day Oceanic Photo Competition at an event on 8 June 2015 at the United Nations Headquarters. This theme for the UN's observance of World Oceans Day 2015 was “Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet.” The celebration of World Oceans Day 2015 coincided with the first day of the twenty-fifth meeting of the Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This year also marked the twentieth anniversary of the adoption and opening for signature of the Fish Stocks Agreement. A reception was held at the United Nations Headquarters between 6 and 8pm, where the winners of the photo contest were announced. The winning photos were projected in large format. A quartet of the United Nations Orchestra performed at the reception. At sunset the Empire State Building was beautifully lit in the World Oceans Day colours of white, blue and purple, representing the different layers of the ocean.
Press Release
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Secretary-General's Message on World Oceans Day
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2015 Photo Contest Winners
Link to Photo Contest
WORLD OCEANS DAY 2016
"Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet."
United Nations Headquarters
New York, USA
8 June 2016
The following activities were planned to celebrate World Oceans Day 2016 at the United Nations Headquarters:
10am to 1:30pm
“He Lei Holo Puni Honua: Presentation of Declarations Ceremony & Sail of Friendship,” hosted by the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
This World Oceans Day, the traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe from the Pacific, Hōkūle‘a, arrived at the United Nations for the first time in history. This was a rare moment to share how the oceans unite us and to hear first-hand stories of the state of the ocean and of coastal people shared by these courageous voyagers. A traditional Hawaiian ceremony was held dockside and onboard during which the Secretary-General or his designate was presented with a set of declarations gathered by the crew, which has been sailing across our oceans to support the global movement toward a more sustainable world. This was followed by a sail of the Hōkūle‘a on the East River. For more information please visit: www.hokulea.com
Location: Gantry Park, Long Island City, Queens
4pm to 6pm
“Voyaging to a Sustainable Planet: A Talk Story Uniting Leadership on Oceans,” hosted by the Republic of Palau and Federated States of Micronesia.
Present were the Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia alongside Nainoa Thompson, Master Navigator of the Hōkūle‘a’s Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage at this unique event. This event shared important perspectives on the intersect with the ocean agenda at the United Nations.
Location: United Nations Headquarters Conference Room 1, New York City
6pm to 9:30pm
Annual World Oceans Day Reception at UN Headquarters, hosted by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea
As has become custom, at this year’s Annual World Oceans Day Reception the Secretary-General’s Annual World Oceans Day Message was delivered and the winners of the Annual World Oceans Day Oceanic Photo Competition were announced by the multiple time contest winner Ellen Cuylaerts. The evening also featured musical performances.
Location: United Nations Headquarters Visitors Lobby (“Sputnik Lounge”)
This reception was made possible thanks to the generous support of: Pew Charitable Trusts, Blancpain, and Hawaiian Airlines.
Press Release
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Secretary-General's Message on World Oceans Day
Link to Message
2016 Photo Contest Winners
Link to Photo Contest
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