Brief description of the meeting

The Working Group is established following the IOC Decision A-31/3.5.6. adopted at the IOC Assembly at its thirty-first Session, online (UNESCO, Paris, 14–25 June 2021) with the view to undertake the remaining steps towards establishment of the IOCINDIO Sub-Commission in order to complete the work on: terms of reference; determination of the geographic scope; programme of work; the proposed projects and funding support; and mechanisms for coordination with adjacent Sub-Commissions; etc.

The objectives of the Working Group as proposed in the provisional Terms of Reference:

Taking into account the proposal for changing the status of IOCINDIO into an IOC Sub-Commission, the Working Group will:

- Identify necessary steps remaining for the establishment of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Indian Ocean,

- Present a written progress report for discussion by the Executive Council at its 55th session,

- Prepare a proposal for the establishment of an IOC Sub-Commission for the Indian Ocean including: its title and terms of reference; geographic area of responsibility; programme of work with the proposed projects and funding support; mechanisms for coordination with adjacent sub-commissions, and other necessary specifications, and submit it to the IOC Assembly at its 32nd session as a working document as well as a draft resolution on the above subject.

The first meeting of the Working Group shall: (i) discuss its own Terms of Reference (TORs) and modalities of work, including the programme of work, expected deliverables, procedures and working methods, schedule of meetings before the next IOC Executive Council, (ii) share views on existing programmes, projects and activities in the IOCINDIO region for their reinforcement.

Online

11:30 to 13:30 (CET/Paris time)