On June 8, 2025, Nice will host the United Nations World Oceans Day. The event will take place just days before the United Nations Ocean Conference, scheduled from June 9 to 13, 2025.
These two major UN events represent an unprecedented opportunity to raise visibility and strengthen collaborative efforts in support of the ocean.
The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is essential to life — not only to human survival, but to that of every other organism on Earth. The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, is home to the majority of Earth’s biodiversity, and provides the main source of protein for over one billion people worldwide. It also plays a key role in the global economy, with an estimated 40 million people expected to be employed in ocean-related sectors by 2030.
Yet, despite all these benefits, the ocean is in need of our support.
90% of large fish populations have been decimated, and 50% of coral reefs have been destroyed. A new balance must be created to prevent further depletion and restore the ocean’s health.
This year’s theme for World Oceans Day is: “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us.” “Wonder” is what draws us to the ocean and fuels our desire to protect and care for it. But wonder is also the foundation of scientific knowledge, the fascination that drives exploration, the curiosity that sparks innovation, and the seed of traditional wisdom.
World Oceans Day celebrates both the essential wonder of the ocean and the many wonders it contains and inspires. It is a call to not lose sight of this beauty and its fate. This day reminds us of our deep connection to the sea and invites us to protect it through decisions guided by curiosity, wisdom, and a shared commitment to collective well-being.
World Oceans Day was first declared on June 8, 1992, in Rio de Janeiro, inspired by an event organized by the Oceans Institute of Canada, with support from the Canadian government, titled:
“OCEANS DAY AT GLOBAL FORUM – THE BLUE PLANET.”
The program featured international experts, opinion leaders, and representatives from the ocean community to highlight the fundamental role of oceans in sustaining the Blue Planet.
It was in 2008, however, that the United Nations General Assembly, at the initiative of Canada, officially designated June 8 as “World Oceans Day” (Resolution 63/111).
By then, the observance of Oceans Day had already expanded, reflecting a growing range of concerns noted by the UN Secretary-General in 2008, including:
- Implementation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
- Maritime space
- Maritime security
- Marine science and technology
- Marine biodiversity
- The marine environment and sustainable development
- Climate change
- Regional and international cooperation
The awareness and actions inspired by World Oceans Day remain crucial in addressing all these areas.