On August 26, 2023, the Exhibition and Award Ceremony of the 2023 United Nations Ocean Decade Children Oceanic Pottery Project was held. The project is co-organized by the UNESCO Hong Kong Association, the Hong Kong Institute of Education for Sustainable Development, and the Hong Kong Children’s Arts and Cultural Exchange Association. It is recognized by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and supported by Petit Bateau and Fortune Malls.
The ocean-themed pottery creations made by children from various kindergartens and primary schools in Hong Kong were exhibited in Fortune Malls for three consecutive days, from August 25 to 27. The potteries not only promoted the importance of ocean conservation to the public but also reflected the theme of marine biodiversity.
This year is the second year that the project was held; it was launched on June 8th, 2023, the United Nations Ocean Day. The core feature of the project is its emphasis on marine conservation education. Before the participating children worked on their pottery creations, UNESCO Hong Kong Association Green Citizens Youth Ambassadors hosted an online marine protection workshop to enhance children’s understanding of the challenges facing the ocean, the importance of marine conservation, marine biodiversity, and how they should take action to protect the ocean, which also helped them to develop ideas and reflect their vision for a sustainable ocean into pottery creation.
Professor Karen Cheung, President of the UNESCO Hong Kong Association, and Mr. Eddie NG Hak-kim, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Children’s Art and Culture Exchange Association, delivered remarks as representatives of the organizers. In her speech, Professor Cheung expressed that the participation of children in the United Nations “Ocean Decade” is very important. She hopes that the activities will leave an unforgettable memory for them at a young age and keep the message of marine conservation in their hearts as they grow and acquire more knowledge in the next ten years. She ended the remark by calling for all stakeholders to work together to protect the ocean and promote sustainable development.
Recognition and appreciation are given to the UNESCO Hong Kong Association Green Citizens Youth Ambassador(GCYA) Team for their active support. Eight youth ambassadors have participated as volunteers in delivering the marine protection workshop, on-site reception, venue set-up, and emcees.
- Americana Chen Sze Wa
- Alisha Kwan Pak Yan
- Shirley Hui Ka Yan
- Bryan Ko Man Hin
- Zhu Ze Wen
- Megan Hsu
- Cherry So Wing Yan
- Kayla Yeung Hoi Man
Activity background:
In order to convene all walks of life around the world to join hands to protect the precious ocean, the United Nations announced that 2021 to 2030 will be the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, also known as the “United Nations Decade of the Ocean”. The “United Nations Decade of the Oceans” program framework emphasizes the interaction of “science-policy” and calls for the strengthening of ocean and coastal management. At the same time, follow up the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: underwater life, pay attention to reducing pollution, and protect marine and coastal ecosystems. Reduce ocean acidification, increase investment in scientific knowledge and marine technology, etc.
“Hong Kong Children’s Oceanic Pottery Project at Oceanic Pottery Garden of the United Nations Decade of the Ocean” has been recognized by the United Nations Decade of the Ocean. For previous news, please refer to this article.
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This article was originally published here.