AT least 50% of the planet’s oxygen comes from the ocean, which is home to most of the Earth’s biodiversity and nourishes billions of people while employing millions worldwide.
Humanity’s interconnectedness to the ocean is core to our identities, cultures, and ways of living.
The United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) of the Office of Legal Affairs will be hosting the second fully virtual ‘The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods’ celebration in commemoration of the United Nations World Oceans Day happening today, June 8.
In partnership with non-profit organization Oceanic Global, this year’s annual event will shed light on the wonder of the ocean and how it is our life source, supporting humanity and every other organism on Earth.
Over 40 thought-leaders, celebrities, institutional partners, community voices, entrepreneurs, and cross-industry experts will be joining the event.
Among them, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Gael Garcia Bernal, Jean-Michael Cousteau, Alessandra Ambrosio, Sam Waterston, Nathalie Kelley, Danni Washington, Dona Bertarelli, Céline Semaan, Amanda Cerny, and more.
Winners of the Eighth Annual United Nations Photo Competition will also be announced by its 2021 curator, Ellen Cuylaerts.
The seven-hour long event will be open to the world by live stream starting at 10am (EDT) / 10pm (GMT+8) Kuala Lumpur time on the United Nations World Oceans Day website. Email details can be submitted on the same platform to RSVP.
Content is also expected to be reshared via @unworldoceansday social channels.
Deepen your understanding of the blue planet and its wonders
Since its inception in 2008, UN World Oceans Day has celebrated the ocean and its importance to our planet and our lives. Yet, over the course of the pandemic, the world saw more clearly than ever, just how reliant on the ocean we collectively are.
Convening experts and conservationists from around the world to deepen our understanding of the ocean, audiences are invited to explore our connection to it.
Be part of the discussion of building a new balance with the ocean that is inclusive, innovative and informed by those who depend on it, as well as by lessons from the past.
Topics that will be explored include ‘Our Underwater World’, ‘Oceanic Discoveries’, ‘Humanity's Relationship with the Ocean’, ‘Creating Sustainable Livelihoods’, ‘Blue Economy and Private Sector Impact’ as well as ‘Passing Down Knowledge’ among them.
A virtual ‘Concert for the Ocean’ performance featuring renowned musical artists from around the world is scheduled to close the event.
Tune in if you want to watch acts like Angelique Kidjo, Bomba Estereo, Valerie June, Arthur Jeffes/Penguin Café, EARTHGANG, Little Dragon, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 and more on your screens.
Watch the trailer below narrated by oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, who will be speaking at this year’s event to outline the relationship between the ocean and human health and well-being.
The annual United Nations World Oceans Day event marks the kick-off ‘World Ocean Week’ (June 1-14) during which subsequent events hosted by members of the Friends of UN World Oceans Day platform and other enthusiasts across the world will sustain the discussion of the official theme. – The Vibes, June 8, 2021
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