António Guterres (UN Secretary-General) on World Oceans Day 2026

Video Message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on World Oceans Day, 8 June 2026. In these turbulent times, the ocean reminds us that we are bound together. It shapes our climate, sustains ecosystems and economies, and feeds billions. But the ocean is in deep trouble – and we are pushing it past its limits. The Third World Ocean Assessment, launched today, documents a deepening crisis driven by climate change, overfishing, biodiversity loss and marine pollution. We cannot keep treating the ocean as limitless. We must build a new relationship with the ocean: Grounded in science. Framed by international law. And built on shared responsibility – across nations, sectors, and generations – to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. The success of the Third Ocean Conference last year and the entry into force of the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction this year show that multilateral action is possible – and necessary. On World Ocean Day, let us act with the ambition and resolve this moment demands.


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