The UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific will celebrate World Ocean Day 2026 by bringing together students, educators, youth advocates and ocean experts to explore how education can help protect marine ecosystems and inspire action for a more sustainable ocean future.

The celebration will spotlight the Sustaining Our Oceans initiative, supported by Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., parent company of UNIQLO, which empowers young people, teachers and local communities in Thailand, Indonesia and Viet Nam with practical tools and knowledge for marine conservation in partnership with Ministries of Education and Ministries of Natural Resources and Environment. Programme highlights include student presentations, an awards ceremony for youth-led marine conservation projects, and a panel discussion on ocean literacy and sustainable action for the blue planet.

An exhibition open to the public from 8–9 June will feature booths from UNESCO Bangkok — including an interactive exhibition and a Sustaining Our Oceans board game station — alongside UNESCO Jakarta, UNESCO Hanoi, the Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).