We’re excited to once more curate poetry for United Nations World Oceans Day in 2026!

Poetry and art are critical in helping people channel a deeper connection with the world’s most important issues and in turn, encourage action.

Entries close June 4, 2026

The Theme

In 2026, we are inspired by the United Nations World Oceans Day theme of Reimagine: Beyond the world we know, a new relationship with our ocean

For too long, we have treated the ocean as something vast, distant, and separate from us. We created that distance ourselves. The ocean has always flowed through us, in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the climate that makes our lives possible. Now we are being called to reimagine that relationship.

'Reimagine' asks us to close that distance together. To move from passive inheritors of the ocean’s generosity to active guardians of its future. To govern not just beyond our borders but beyond our blind spots, beyond the habits of taking, operating in silos, and the belief that the way things have been is the way they must remain.

We are seeking submissions that highlight this year’s theme, to ultimately prompt action for our oceans.

Select pieces may be shared on social media, our digital platforms, in a physical installation, and may be published in a physical publication of ocean poems. Finalists will be able to use the title Selected Poet: 2026 World Oceans Day Alfaaz Curation.

Submission Guidelines

• A maximum of sixteen lines aligned with the theme

• All languages are welcome

• Please only submit work that has not already been published elsewhere, whether printed or online. You may publish elsewhere after your submission has been approved

• Writing must be original and written by you

We will format your piece with you prior to publishing to ensure both your style and consistency is maintained, while meeting our stylistic standards.​

The content of your writing will not be changed from the original submission.