Coordination & Implementation

IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)

Advancing knowledge and cooperation for a healthy ocean and prosperous society

UN 46: Collaborations for the Northwest Pacific Marine Ecosystem Prediction (COSMEC)

To guide and oversee the development and implementation of COSMEC, an International Steering Group (ISG) is established, composed of experts from diverse disciplines and sectors. The ISG is mandated to provide strategic guidance, coordination, and facilitation for the effective delivery of the Programme’s objectives with the following Term of Reference.

Terms of Reference

The International Steering Group (ISG) shall provide oversight and coordination for the development and implementation of the UN Ocean Decade Action 46: Collaborations for the Northwest Pacific Marine Ecosystem Prediction (COSMEC). The ISG shall make recommendations, and report to the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC).

1. Functions

Monitor programme progress, and recommend actions for enhanced engagement, collaboration, and resource mobilization;
Facilitate coordination and collaboration among participating countries, institutions, and stakeholders;
Promote the development of new research actions and ensure that their outputs/outcomes are consistent with the COSMEC objectives and relevant operational guidelines;
Review and recommend the endorsements of new action(s) under COSMEC;
Promote visibility and raise awareness, and engage relevant scientific, policy, and stakeholder communities;
Plan and organize annual or biennial ISG meetings, and other relevant workshops and events;
Support communications, outreach, and information sharing by providing materials and update to the WESTPAC office (also serving as the UN Ocean Decade Coordination Office for the Western Pacific), for dissemination via the WESTPAC website and other relevant channels; and
Submit periodic reports and, as appropriate, make recommendations to the Sub-Commission and/or its Advisory Group.

2. Composition and Terms

The ISG shall be composed of experts and representatives nominated by WESTPAC Member States willing to participate in and contribute to the COSMEC development. Each Member State may nominate up to three representatives, preferably including one from a national agency closely related to COSMEC activities and one or two from research, academic, or other stakeholder communities. Individual experts or other stakeholders could also be invited, as deemed appropriate. One designated WESTPAC officer and/or the Head of the WESTPAC office shall serve as ex-officio members.

The Sub-Commission shall invite nominations every two years. Each ISG member shall serve a two-year term, renewable up to three consecutive terms. The ISG will select two Co-Chairs from among its members for a term of two years, renewable up to two consecutive terms. In the event of resignation, inactivity, or other circumstances affecting an ISG member’s participation, the Member State concerned may nominate a replacement to serve for the remainder of the term.

3. Meetings

The ISG shall meet at least once annually to carry out its functions. Ad hoc or thematic sub-groups or working groups may be established as needed to address specific scientific, technical, or coordination tasks. Such groups may convene as frequently as required to accomplish their mandates.

4. Secretariat Support

The WESTPAC office will assume the secretariat function at the regional level, acting as the primary coordination unit for COSMEC. Decentralized secretariat support and coordination arrangements may be established to facilitate implementation, provided that their mandates and responsibilities are defined in close consultation with the WESTPAC office.

IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)