Bangladesh hosts 13th intergovernmental session  of IOC WESTPAC

Bangladesh is hosting the 13th Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) virtually. 

Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday inaugurated the 3-day session on behalf of the host country, reads a press release.

Vo Si Tuan, chairperson of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific; and Vladimir Ryabinin, IOC Executive Secretary & Assistant Director General of UNESCO also attended the inaugural Session joined by hundred more participants. 

Addressing the inaugural session, the foreign minister stressed the role of the oceans in the development of human civilisation and recovery from the crisis.

He reiterated the significance of concerted efforts and shared responsibility for sustainable use of the oceans and also underscored the vital role of IOC WESTPAC in this regard. 

Momen appreciated the IOC's role in encouraging scientific research, technical analyses and syntheses of scientific information needed to effectively address emerging environmental issues. 

Foreign Minister expressed his hope that IOC WESTPAC will work as a platform for promoting sustained growth and balanced development through the optimum use of ocean resources.

He emphasised on conducting more timely research on the availability, sustainable utilization and exploration of the marine resources that are available in nature. Also, he strongly urged for conducting extensive research on early detection of changes in ecosystem, mitigation and adaptation strategies to combat climate change impacts that are based on growing scientific knowledge. 

He added that IOC WESTPAC has immense potential for maritime cooperation in the region especially on maintaining Marine Biodiversity and Healthy Ocean Ecosystem, Climate Change, Seafood Security and Safety and Ocean Science.