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The United Nations honored World Oceans Day 2018 with music, dance, and photography
 

There are some pretty cool places to have your photos on display—but it’s hard to beat the main hall of the United Nations headquarters on New York City’s east side. On Friday, dignitaries, delegates, and DPG attended the annual celebration of World Oceans Day at the UN, which included the announcement of the winners of the Fifth Annual World Oceans Day Photo Contest.
 

Celebrating World Oceans day at the UN
 

World Oceans Day Photo Contest curator Ellen Cuylaerts takes to the podium to present the winners
 

The “Clean Our Oceans” thematic winner, Rosie Leaney, is presented in front of a gathered group of UN dignitaries and conservationists 
 

More than just a celebration, this year’s event was a stark alarm and call to action for ocean protection—especially against the threat of plastics. This threat was addressed in speeches from the likes of President of the United Nations General Assembly Miroslav Lajcák to an interpretive ballet with dancers pirouetting through plastic bags. 

The real highlight—from an underwater photography perspective—came with the grand reveal of the photo contest awards. Contest curator and talented underwater photographer Ellen Cuylaerts announced the winners from the podium. The crowd was audibly impressed by several of the photos and the presentation was a highlight of the evening. 
 

Guests had the opportunity to view the winners from the 2017 contest on display in the UN building
 

President of the UN General Assembly, Miroslav Lajcák, speaks at the reception for World Oceans Day 

Highlighting the need to address plastic pollution, dancers performed among plastic bags 
 

With dance, music, and photography at the forefront of the World Oceans Day 2018 UN reception, the arts will play a critical role in ongoing conservation awareness
 

World Oceans Day sponsor Blancpain celebrates more than 250 years of watchmaking
 

Australian singer Cody Simpson performs an acoustic set at the World Oceans Day reception at the UN
 

The World Oceans Day Photo Contest is a cooperative effort between the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, World Ocean Network, World Festival of Underwater Images, IAEA Ocean Acidification International Coordination Centre, and DPG. The winning images are expected to be displayed throughout the world—in addition to the UN—to help raise conservation awareness. 

You can view the complete list of winners of the World Oceans Day Photo Contest here on DPG.