Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ Bangladesh has achieved a significant milestone by being elected as a member of the Executive Council of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) for the term 2023-2025, garnering the highest number of votes. The election took place at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris during the 32nd Assembly of the IOC. According to the media statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this accomplishment underscores the global recognition of Bangladesh’s initiatives, actions, and contributions to the multilateral arena in maintaining a safe and secure maritime regime and promoting ocean governance worldwide.
Driven by its increasing engagement in maritime affairs, Bangladesh decided to put forth its candidacy for the IOC Executive Council. Further, the country remains committed to addressing the pressing needs of the IOC, including its expanded global presence, enhanced budgetary allocation, and the integration of technology-based oceanographic initiatives that contribute to the multilateral ecosystem.
Over the past few years, Bangladesh has hosted several meetings focused on maritime issues, including the 9th IOCINDIO meeting in Dhaka in March 2023 and the Indian Ocean Conference in May 2023. Consequently, Bangladesh’s election to the council will not only promote its maritime diplomacy within the UN system but also secure benefits for the institution itself as well as strengthen cooperation with other nations.
Additionally, Bangladesh has actively advocated for the change of the IOC Sub-Committee for Central Indian Ocean to the IOC Sub-Commission, to be known as IOCINDIO. The approval of this change is expected during the ongoing session of the 32nd IOC Assembly. Further, Rear Admiral (Retd) Khurshed Alam, the head of the Bangladesh delegation, expressed optimism that the formal approval of this resolution would occur during the ongoing session of the 32nd IOC Assembly.
