The elections for membership to the Executive Council (EC) of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) was held at the UNESCO Headquarters on 3rd of July 2019. 118 of 150 Member States were present at the elections and cast their votes. Turkey has once again become member of the EC for two years (2019-2021) from the Group I.

The IOC, established in 1960 as the expert body within UNESCO, promotes international cooperation and the conduct of marine scientific research by the Member States in the fields of ocean and coastal nature, including living and non-living resources. The IOC is the only competent organization for marine science within the UN system. Through international cooperation, the IOC upholds the objectives of healthy and sustainable ocean ecosystems, resiliency to climate change, effective early warning systems form marine hazards and enhanced knowledge of emerging ocean science issues.

Turkey’s re-election to the EC, which consists of 40 members, is the result of her active contribution to the activities of the IOC, as well as a clear indication of her strong position in the field of maritime at international level.