Cody Simpson: UNDP Ocean Advocate

Cody Simpson

Australian musician and competitive swimmer Cody Simpson was appointed United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ocean Advocate on World Ocean Day, 8 June 2017. In this role, Simpson helps to raise awareness of how essential the ocean is to the health of the planet and people. While the damage to the ocean is underwater and out of sight, the resulting negative impacts on the climate, global economy and food supply are becoming more evident every day.

Speaking at the first-ever United Nations Ocean Conference in New York, Simpson helped launch the #SaveOurOcean campaign to mobilize the global community to protect the ocean. Since his appointment as an advocate for a healthy ocean, Simpson has leveraged his platform and influence to generate awareness around critical issues facing the ocean through speaking engagements, pro-bono musical performances, and digital campaigns around World Oceans Day, including a #NoPlasticsChallenge. Simpson also helped shine a spotlight on successful initiatives around the world, such as the single-use plastics ban in Costa Rica, where he met with local kids and ocean activists and led a community beach clean-up.

An avid surfer growing up on the Gold Coast of Australia, Simpson has always felt a deep connection to the sea and has made it his life’s mission to inspire others—especially young people—to play an active role in saving the ocean for future generations. Protecting the ocean and life below water is Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 and is a critical component of the 2030 Agenda.