Search

A dramatic dolphin rescue by helicopter shows the power of technology to save a single animal. But to save countless dolphins, promote healthy ecosystems and activate a powerhouse weapon against climate change, the secret is to promote healthy seagrass. World Seagrass Day is an opportunity to renew global resolve to protect these incredible underwater meadows, which collectively absorb 30 times more carbon than terrestrial forests.

Inaction on global waste management costs human health, economies, and the environment dearly, and projected to surpass USD 600 billion per year by 2050. The world urgently needs to shift to a zero waste approach that could limit net annual costs by 2050 to USD 270.2 billion.

General Assembly: 48th plenary meeting, 78th session.

As discussion develops around inclusion of "ecocide" under the remit of the Rome Statute, this panel examines the breadth of applicability of the 2021 Independent Expert Panel definition and therefore its relevance in various circumstances where mass environmental damage is being suffered: small island states, states involved in armed conflict, indigenous territories and the ocean.

General Assembly: 44th plenary meeting, 78th session.

Lewis Pugh was never afraid to take the plunge. Now ocean advocate for the United Nations Environment Programme, the record-breaking cold-water swimmer has completed long distance swims at both of the earth's Poles, in the Red Sea, and along the length of the Hudson River, to spread a message of habitat renewal and conservation.

Establishment of the founding alliance for the Art Charter for Climate Action - Peace Boat US announces the Youth for the SDGs Scholarship Program for the UN Ocean Decade!

In June 2023, oceans and marine biodiversity took centre stage at the United Nations where countries met to agree on a new historic agreement to protect areas of the ocean which are beyond any national jurisdiction. Its aim is to advance conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in these areas. As the treaty is opened for signature this week, this session will explore what this means, along with the challenges and solutions for the Ocean.

This session will take a look at the current state of the ocean and progress since the Ocean Conference held in June 2022. Speakers will highlight how recent actions, such as the plastics pollution treaty and the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty (BBNJ), are key examples of accelerating progress on the SDGs and what future actions are needed to ensure a sustainable future for all.

Presenting Ocean Rights 

The race for ratification of the BBNJ Treaty is the perfect example of how, by working together around the world, we can accelerate action to deliver the SDGs. 

Press conference by David Nanopoulos, Chief of the Treaty Section and Vladimir Jares, Director of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat on the annual Treaty Event.