Iran Elected Vice-Chair of UNESCO’s Central Indian Ocean Sub-Commission
| At the first Intergovernmental Meeting of UNESCO’s Central Indian Ocean Sub-Commission (IOCINDIO-1), the Islamic Republic of Iran was elected as one of the Commission’s two Vice-Chairs, marking an effective step towards strengthening the country’s scientific diplomacy and regional standing in the field of ocean sciences. |
The first Intergovernmental Meeting of UNESCO’s Central Indian Ocean Sub-Commission (IOCINDIO-1) was held in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, from 19 to 23 May 2025. At the conclusion of the meeting, the United Arab Emirates was elected Chair, while the Islamic Republic of Iran and India were elected as the Commission’s new Vice-Chairs.
The meeting brought together representatives of Indian Ocean Member States, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), relevant international organizations, and scientific and research institutions. The main topics addressed included enhancing scientific cooperation, promoting the sustainable development of seas and oceans, and strengthening regional capacity-building in ocean sciences.
Experts from the National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences participated in the event on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The delegation presented an overview of the country’s scientific and regional activities and actively contributed to technical discussions on ocean monitoring, sustainable development, marine disaster risk reduction, regional capacity-building, and ocean literacy.
Iranian representatives also presented a comprehensive report on the activities and programs of the Regional Centre for Training and Research in Oceanography for Western Asia. Operating under the auspices of UNESCO and based at the National Institute of Oceanography, the Centre is one of the country’s important scientific capacities at the regional level.
Adoption of the Work Program and International Cooperation
During the meeting, key issues were discussed, including the strategic priorities of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, the implementation of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, and cooperation with international bodies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the World Bank. The Commission’s work program and budget for the next biennium (2026–2027) were also approved.
Iran’s Vice-Chairmanship: Strengthening Scientific Diplomacy at the Regional Level
Iran’s election as Vice-Chair of UNESCO’s Central Indian Ocean Sub-Commission represents an important step towards strengthening the Islamic Republic of Iran’s scientific and diplomatic standing in international forums and enhancing regional cooperation in ocean sciences.
