H.E. António Guterres
Secretary-General of the United Nations
The second fully virtual celebration of United Nations World Oceans Day, on 8 June 2021 highlighted the theme The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods.
The event featured over 70 thought-leaders, celebrities, institutional partners, community voices, entrepreneurs, and cross-industry experts including:
Secretary-General of the United Nations
Ocean Explorer & President, Ocean Futures Society
PhD Candidate in the Marine Biology Graduate Program, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Actor & Co-Founder, La Corriente del Golfo
President and Chairman, Mission Blue / The Sylvia Earle Alliance
Heirs to Our Oceans
Actor, Activist & Chair, Oceana's Board of Directors
Chief Sustainability Officer & Global Head Sustainability Strategy, Advisory and Finance, Credit Suisse
Oceanic Global made waves in 2020 by launching the “Concert for the Ocean,” a groundbreaking finale to the virtual UN World Oceans Day event. The following year, the momentum continued with the 2021 edition, featuring live performances from seven globally renowned artists. This unique concert brought together an intergenerational and diverse lineup of musicians, captivating audiences worldwide in a vibrant celebration of our oceans. The Concert for the Ocean wasn’t just about music; it was a rallying cry, inspiring collective action to protect and preserve our blue planet.
The UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition is hosted by the United Nations, curated by Ellen Cuylaerts and a jury composed of world-renowned photographers and artists.
High-level speakers will open UN World Oceans Day with remarks on the 2021 theme “The Ocean: Life & Livelihoods”.
Featuring an original score by Michael Leonhart
Recognizing the significant role the ocean has played in the evolution of life on Earth and its continued influence in supporting thriving and biodiverse ecosystems.
Featuring an original musical composition by Nitin Sawhney
Highlighting the awe and beauty of the ocean through recent oceanic discoveries.
Addressing the relationship between the ocean and human health and well-being.
Stories of individuals whose lives are deeply interconnected with the ocean across sectors.
Featuring an artistic performance by The Longest Johns
Exploring how ocean science and resources are used in household items with otherwise invisible ocean origins.
Announcement of the finalists and winners of the 2021 UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition.
Curator: Ellen Cuylaerts
Freelance Underwater and Wildlife Photographer and Curator, 2021 UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition
Judges:
Jennifer Hayes, Julian Lennon, Joakim Odelberg, Ipah Uid Lynn, and Michel Strogoff
The UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition is co-organized and supported by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations, Oceanic Global, DivePhotoGuide, and Blancpain.
Deeper Dive: Blancpain
Addressing the relationship between the ocean and human health and well-being.
Highlighting our human impact on the ocean, how ocean life and livelihoods are affected by issues from climate change to biodiversity loss, and the need to take action.
Highlighting harmonious solutions and human-centric approaches to balance our relationship with the ocean.
Discussing the role of the private sector and blue economy in creating a sustainable and just working ocean.
A dialogue across generations to discuss the need for intergenerational engagement, knowledge sharing and education to better understand how the ocean is changing and how this will affect us.
Biskungwi Izquierdo speaking with his nephew, Guneymaku.
Featuring an artistic performance by Yilian Cañizares
UN agencies share the impact of their work on ocean life and livelihoods.
A dialogue across generations to discuss the need for intergenerational engagement, knowledge sharing and education to better understand how the ocean is changing and how this will affect us.
Biskungwi Izquierdo speaking with his nephew, Guneymaku.
Celebrate UN World Oceans Day by tuning in for a virtual Concert for the Ocean, featuring renowned musical artists from around the world.
A special thank you to all the speakers, musicians, Friends of World Oceans Day group, community partners including Thirty Two Music and The Economist Group’s World Ocean Initiative.
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