8 June - World Oceans Day

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 8 June -  World Oceans Day

    In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly decided that, as from 2009, 8 June would be designated by the United Nations as “World Oceans Day” (resolution 63/111, paragraph 171).  Many countries have celebrated World Oceans Day following the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, which was held in Rio de Janerio in 1992.

    The oceans are essential to food security and the health and survival of all life, power our climate and are a critical part of the biosphere. The official designation of World Oceans Day is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans.

    The theme of the inaugural observance of the World Oceans Day by the United Nations in 2009 is “Our Oceans, Our Responsibility”. The Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, in cooperation with the Department of Public Information, is organizing a number of events and activities at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 8 June 2009.

Programme

 WORLD OCEANS DAY

 (8 June 2009)

 “Our oceans, our responsibility”

 Observance at United Nations Headquarters

 (i)         Statement by the Secretary-General

 (ii)        Expert Panel Discussion on the theme "Our oceans, our responsibility" to mark the first observance by the United Nations of World Oceans Day, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 63/111, sponsored by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs, followed by a question-and-answer period (3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) (Trusteeship Council Chamber)

 (iii)      “A Sea Change”, a documentary screening on ocean acidification followed by a question-and-answer period co-sponsored by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs, and the United Nations Staff  Recreation Council Film Society (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) (Conference Room 1)

Other Observances at United Nations Headquarters

 (iv)       Display organized by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs, and relevant international organizations relating to their activities (Near Vienna Café, Basement Level 1) 

 (v)        Exhibits organized by the United Nations Staff Recreation Council Photographic Society, and the International Ocean Institute on children and the sea (Near Vienna Café, Basement Level 1)

(vi)       Delegate’s Dining Room (Luncheon menu for the day to include a sustainable seafood option)

Observance outside United Nations Headquarters

 (vii)      A number of Governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations will celebrate World Oceans Day by organizing events

 (viii)      Empire State Building in New York City (Lighting to mark first observance of World Oceans Day)