UNESCO Director-General on World Oceans Day: Humanity’s Future Depends on Rethinking Its Relationship with the Ocean
| In his message marking World Oceans Day, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany emphasized the vital role of the oceans in sustaining life, regulating the climate and supporting the livelihoods of billions of people. He called on countries to adopt a new approach to ocean protection and sustainable governance, grounded in science, cooperation and responsibility. |
Message from Dr. Khaled El-Enany, UNESCO Director-General, on the Occasion of World Oceans Day
8 June 2026
On World Oceans Day, UNESCO reminds us of a simple truth: the ocean is inseparable from humanity. It sustains life, regulates the climate, connects cultures and supports the livelihoods of billions of people.
This year’s theme, “Reimagine,” calls on us to forge a new relationship with the ocean, one grounded in science, cooperation and responsibility. This collective effort is reflected in the High Seas Treaty, which entered into force on 17 January 2026, marking a historic step forward in the transnational governance of the ocean.
Promoting this collective action is at the heart of UNESCO’s efforts. As the lead agency for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), bringing together 153 Member States, translates knowledge into decision-making and promotes ocean literacy and awareness. Its work spans ocean data and early warning systems, marine spatial planning, blue carbon ecosystems and the protection of marine biodiversity.
For island countries, particularly small island developing States (SIDS), whose futures are inextricably linked to the ocean, this commitment to ocean science and action is doubly important. This message was also underscored at the recent Island Ocean Nations Summit held in Tokyo.
In closing, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany called on all countries to reimagine their relationship with the ocean and work together to support the people whose lives and futures depend on it.
