Highlights and images for 8 June 2024

On World Ocean Day, we take a moment to appreciate the intrinsic values of the Ocean to sustain life by providing not only oxygen, food, and medicine, but also identity and culture to the people. The celebration also presented an opportunity to delve into new depths of understanding regarding the hidden challenges facing our Ocean, and served as an invitation to express compassion, foster collaboration, and make commitments to protect the Ocean’s vital resources.

The theme of the 2024 World Ocean Day, “Awaken New Depths,” seamlessly aligned with the deliberations of the Immersed in Change High-Level Event. This alignment provided delegates with an imperative to reflect on new insights and innovative solutions to reverse the current state of the Ocean. 

Delegates engaged in four interactive panels, each illustrating success stories with the potential for replication.

The Panel on the Fight Against Ghost Fishing Gear explored the different impacts of ghost fishing gear; the various ways that stakeholders can address this problem through the existing diverse programs and partnerships; and steps that can be taken for the future. 

In the Resource Mobilization and Blue Financial Mechanisms Panel, delegates addressed the complexities, opportunities, and partnerships for the blue economy; shared experiences of the breadth of new and existing blue financial mechanisms; and discussed ways to close the finance gap for the Ocean.

The Panel on Global Access to Ocean Cleaning Technology showcased clean-up technologies that have been developed; and compared their deployment, their effectiveness, and scaling-up for wider use to tackle plastics and other pollutants in rivers and the Ocean.

During the Implementation of International Agreements for Ocean Governance Panel, speakers focused on the importance of transforming words into action, by strengthening multilateralism to effectively implement international agreements for timely and effective achievement of global ocean targets.

The closing ceremony unfolded in a festive atmosphere and was attended by dignitaries from governments and civil society members alike.

In closing remarks, Laurent Stefanini, French Coordinator for the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC-3), emphasized the links between the Immersed in Change Event and UNOC-3 in Nice in June 2025, expressing hope that these inspiring few days will drive collaborative work over the next year.

Gina Guillén Grillo, Director General of External Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Costa Rica, reflected that the Event has fostered action and “gone beyond speeches,” highlighting outcomes from panel sessions, side events, and in particular from the matchmaking event, which will put projects into action, including coral reef recovery and a marine school for women.

Franz Tattenbach Capra, Minister of Environment and Energy, Costa Rica, expressed his appreciation for the broad attendance by diverse ocean practitioners to tackle issues that transcend national borders, in the quest for a healthy, resilient, and productive ocean. 

Miguel de Serpa Soares, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, UN, noted that the Event portrayed “shared love” and concern for the health of the Ocean. He urged more participation from stakeholders at UNOC-3, noting that following the success of the High-Level Event, “it is now time to reawaken our commitment to the Ocean.”

President Rodrigo Chaves Robles, Costa Rica, was presented with the Peace for the Ocean Declaration, a key outcome of the Event and a symbol of efforts towards ocean conservation. In his closing remarks, he emphasized the need for knowledge, moral integrity, and courage to put policy into practice. President Chaves Robles closed the Event at 6:08 pm.

After the closing remarks were delivered, delegates proceeded to an evening event featuring an immersive experience of the warm and clear waters of Costa Rica’s Cocos Island.