Global

Felixstowe, the busiest container port in the United Kingdom, where the IMO kicked off its 2017 World Maritime Day theme ‘Connecting ships, ports and people.’
International Maritime Organization (IMO)

With hidden lives vital to our own, 'seafarers matter,' says UN on International Day

25 June 2017
Economic Development

Highlighting the challenges faced by seafarers – women and men sailing and working aboard ships – the United Nations International Maritime Organization has called on everyone around the world to show appreciation for their vital contributions.

Wind turbine farm in Tunisia.
World Bank/Dana Smillie

UN chief Guterres highlights importance of sustainable energy in message to EXPO 2017

10 June 2017
Climate and Environment

Underlining the importance of energy, in particular for realizing the Sustainable Development Goals, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for urgent action to ensure that everyone has access to clean, affordable and efficient energy so that they can rise to their full potential.

A school of Moorish Idols cruise over the coral reef, Ha’apai, Tonga.
UNEP GRID Arendal/Glenn Edney

Working together, ‘we can ensure that our oceans remain healthy as our blue home’ – UN chief

8 June 2017
SDGs

The future of the planet’s oceans is burdened by threats such as climate change, pollution and destructive fishing practices – and the lack of capacities to address these threats – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has said, calling for joint global action to ensure “that our oceans are peaceful, safe and bountiful, and remain healthy as our blue home.”

Photo: World Bank/Dana Smillie
World Bank/Dana Smillie

Rising shipping costs set to lift global food import bill to more than $1.3 trillion – UN agency

8 June 2017
Economic Development

Despite balanced global food commodity markets, shipping costs and import volumes will lift worldwide import costs to over $1.3 trillion this year, according to the latest report from the United Nations agriculture agency.

The United Nations Development Programme to appoint globally-acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Cody Simpson to inaugural role during the UN’s first ever Ocean Conference.
UNDP

Musician Cody Simpson to be named 'Ocean Advocate' for UN development agency

7 June 2017
SDGs

To mark World Oceans Day, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will name Australian musician Cody Simpson as its first-ever Ocean Advocate to help raise awareness of the crucial role the ocean plays in the health of the planet and people.

Masses of ice on Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon in south-east Iceland in June 2013.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

FEATURE: Climate change and the world’s oceans

5 June 2017
Climate and Environment

The vital link between oceans and climate change is among the issues at the forefront of discussions at the United Nations Ocean Conference taking place in New York from 5 to 9 June.

Fishermen at work in Evia, Greece (January 1973).
UN Photo/Tsagris

UN Ocean Conference opens with calls for united action to reverse human damage

5 June 2017
SDGs

Opening a “game-changing” international conference on the health of the world’s oceans and seas, top United Nations officials today urged coordinated global action to protect the planet.