UNESCOIOC

The UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), commonly referred to as UNESCO-IOC, is an intergovernmental organization within UNESCO dedicated to ocean science, observation, and governance. Established in 1960, its mandate is to promote international cooperation in oceanography and to support sustainable use and protection of the oceans through science, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. The commission operates through collaboration with its member states, regional networks, and UNESCO's regional offices, with its secretariat based in Paris.

Core programs include the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), which coordinates sustained marine observations for weather, climate, ecosystems and maritime security; the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) program, which standardizes and disseminates ocean data; and the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS), a data platform for marine biodiversity. IOC also supports capacity building in developing countries, training, and the transfer of technologies and expertise to strengthen national ocean programs.

It contributes to global policy and risk reduction by providing scientific assessments and advising governments on ocean health, climate change adaptation, and hazards such as storms and tsunamis. Its work aligns with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Below Water, as well as related climate and disaster risk reduction initiatives.

Governance is provided by an intergovernmental assembly and a professional secretariat, with collaboration across regional seas programs and partnerships with other UN agencies and international scientific organizations.