The First Governing Board Meeting of Regional Center on Oceanography for West Asia
The first Governing Board meeting of the regional center on Oceanography for West Asia was held with the participation of representatives of member countries in West Asia, including Pakistan, Iraq and Oman for two days at the Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences, on July 17th – 18th.
The establishment of the Regional Center on Oceanography for West Asia under the auspices of UNESCO, the first category II Oceanographic regional center, was primarily proposed by the Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences (INIOAS) in 2010 to UNESCO, with the aim of developing oceanographic research and education. This proposal was approved at the 37th session of the UNESCO General Conference in November 2013. The agreement of the regional center was signed by the Minister of Science, Research and Technology of the I.R. of Iran and the Director-General of UNESCO in 2015.
The purpose of the establishment of the center is promoting a better scientific understanding of the processes associated with the seas and oceans in the region, in order to achieve Sustainable development and facilitate regional partnerships, exchange of experience and knowledge of oceanography, as well as planning and implementation of educational programs and research activities.
At this meeting, the opening session was held with the presence and valuable speeches of Dr. Vahid Ahmadi, Vice Minister for Research and Technology of the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, Dr. Sadollah Nasiri Gheydari, Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, and Dr. Iori Oliounine, UNESCO representative. Following the opening session, the formal session was continued with the presence of the representatives of Pakistan, Iraq and Oman, as well as UNESCO representatives. At this meeting, the work plan of Oceanographic research and training activities as well as its rules of procedures were discussed.
Undoubtedly, the establishment of the first regional center on oceanography for West Asia is not only a credit and significant act for Iran and the regional states, but also an important theme for the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), since it is the only regional center on oceanography under the auspices of UNESCO in the Region.
