United Nations
World Oceans Day 2016

8 June, 2016
2016 Theme

Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet

Arrival of the Hōkūle‘a

On World Ocean Day 2016, the traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe from the Pacific, Hōkūle‘a, arrived at the United Nations for the first time in history.  This was a rare moment to share how the oceans unite us and to hear first-hand stories of the state of the ocean and of coastal people shared by these courageous voyagers.  A traditional Hawaiian ceremony was held dockside and onboard during which the Secretary-General was presented with a set of declarations gathered by the crew, which has been sailing across our oceans to support the global movement toward a more sustainable world. This was followed by a sail of the Hōkūle‘a on the East River.

Voyaging to a Sustainable Planet

The ceremony was followed by an event entitled “Voyaging to a Sustainable Planet: A Talk Story Uniting Leadership on Oceans,” hosted by the Republic of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia. Mr. Nainoa Thompson, Master Navigator of the Hōkūle‘a’s Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage, also spoke of the importance of the ocean to island communities and the planet.

Secretary-General’s message on World Oceans Day.