World Oceans Day, celebrated annually on June 8th, is dedicated to recognising the critical role that the ocean plays in our world. Oceans regulate our climate, provide food and resources, and fosters the biodiversity on which we all depend.
In celebration of World Oceans Day, the Commonwealth Blue Charter team is partnering with Blue Marine Foundation to highlight the relationship between women and the ocean. During the event, which will be held at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London, we will celebrate the remarkable contributions and successes of women in protecting and preserving our seas.
The evening will feature a fireside chat between voices representing the arts, communication, science and policymakers – all of whom have made groundbreaking contributions in their respective fields.
This event will introduce the ocean through the medium of music and dance with a performance from Mr Fernando Montano, Royal Ballet Soloist, photographer and artist and the Patron of ‘Children Change Colombia and the Ocean Ambassador for the Marine Conservation Society and an original composed duet from the Commonwealth Resounds.
The event will also showcase the stories of women involved in marine life across the Commonwealth. The call for videos to be featured during the event is open until 28 May, 2024.
Read the guidance document for submitting a video
Speakers:
- The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC; Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
- His Excellency Jovilisi V. Suveinakama, Fiji’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom
- Ms Ellen Wilkinson, Young Commonwealth Music Ambassador
- Ms Josephine Latu-Sanft, Global Communications Specialist, International Maritime Organisation
- Ms Kaija Barisa, Senior Economist, Blue Marine Foundation
- Ms Kelly Forsythe, Marine Biologist and Grants Coordinator, Wild Animal, Initiative.
- Mr Fernando Montano, Royal Ballet Soloist, photographer and artist and the Patron of ‘Children Change Colombia and the Ocean Ambassador for the Marine Conservation Society
The event will be moderated by Rebecca Self, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Sea Wolf Consulting.
The Blue Charter team recently launched a new toolkit to promote gender-responsive practices in ocean-related occupations. Turning the Tides of Inclusion: A Toolkit for Gender Equality in Ocean Sectors was launched during the inaugural Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting in the Republic of Cyprus. It examines the key ocean-related industries where significant gender disparities exist, including marine conservation and restoration, ocean science, fisheries, maritime transportation, and tourism.
