BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) - ECPv6.17.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ioc-westpac.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Asia/Krasnoyarsk BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0700 TZOFFSETTO:+0700 TZNAME:+07 DTSTART:20240101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20251002T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20251004T170000 DTSTAMP:20250717T060244Z CREATED:20250630T015209Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250717T060244Z UID:39354-1759392000-1759597200@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:2nd International Workshop on Small Island Research and Development (SIRaD) DESCRIPTION:Hangzhou\, China\, 10-12 November 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n Overview\n Provisional Agenda & Meeting Documents\n Logistical Information Note\n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 16th Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-XVI) will be hosted by the Government of China\, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and its Second Institute of Oceanography\, in Hangzhou\, China\, from 10 to 12 November 2026. \n \n \n \n As the principal governing body of the Sub-Commission\, the Intergovernmental Session will bring together national competent agencies\, marine scientific communities\, and other relevant ocean stakeholders from across the region to foster ocean science-policy interface\, review progress\, enhance institutional capacities\, promote the transfer of ocean technology\, and shape priorities—particularly over the next two years—for developing ocean science solutions that support sustainable development in the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. \n \n \n \n The meeting will serve as an important statutory platform for strengthening regional collaboration in ocean-based solutions to climate change\, marine biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration\, and sustainable ocean planning and management. Member States will also deliberate on the Sub-Commission’s contribution to\, and engagement in\, relevant international instruments and frameworks\, including the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030)\, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework\, and the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). \n \n \n \n Further details\, including the provisional agenda\, reports and information for the session will be shared electronically in advance on the WESTPAC website. WESTPAC-XVI will also involve elections for Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons\, with nomination details and forms provided in the IOC Circular Letter no. 3077. \n \n \n \n Should you have any questions or require any assistance on the logistic arrangements\, please feel free to contact info-scwestpac16@sio.org.cn with a copy to n.saransuth@unesco.org \n \n \n \n Relevant Documents and Forms IOC Circular Letter No. 3077Election ProceduresNomination Form (word file)Provisional timetable (as of 20 September 2026)Provisional agenda (as of 12 September 2026)Logistical Information NoteHotel Reservation Form (word file)Registration Form (excel file) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nAgenda\n\n\n1.\nOpening\n\n\n\n1.1\nWelcoming and Opening Remarks\n\n\n\n1.2\nKeynote\nAdvancing Ocean Science and Technology in the Era of Artificial Intelligence \nProf. Dake Chen (陈大可)\, Academician\, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Senior Researchers\, Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO)\, Ministry of Natural Resources\, China \nProfessor Dake Chen is a distinguished physical oceanographer. His research focuses on ocean–atmosphere interactions\, ocean circulation dynamics\, climate variability and predictability\, particularly the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). He has been actively engaged in advancing ocean observation\, numerical modelling\, and climate prediction capabilities. His broad scientific expertise and international research experience offer valuable perspectives on the future development of ocean science\, particularly in strengthening ocean observing and prediction systems\, advancing international scientific cooperation\, and translating scientific knowledge into societal benefits.\n\n\n2.\nOrganization of the Session\n\n\n\n2.1\nAdoption of the Agenda\n\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XVI/2.1 prov (as of 12 September 2026)\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XVI/2.1 annotated prov\n\n\n\n\n\n2.2\nConduction of the Session\n\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/2.1 prov timetable (as of 20 September 2026)\n\n\n\n\n3.\nStatutory Reports\n\n\n\n3.1\nStatement of the Chairperson\, including Key Governance\, Policy and Strategic Developments\n\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XVI/3.1\n\n\n\n\n\n3.2\nReport by the Head of WESTPAC Office on Intersessional Programme Development and Implementation\, including the Resource Mobilization and the Operation of the WESTPAC Office and the Decade Coordination Office\n\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XVI/3.2\n\n\n\n\n\n3.3\nRecent Developments within UNESCO\, IOC\, and Their Relevance to WESTPAC\n\n\n\n\n3.3.1\nIOC Executive Secretary’s Report\, including IOC Governance and Management Processes \n\n Update on Progress of Review of Governance and Management Processes [IOC/EC-59/4.2.1.Doc(1)\, 30 June – 3 July 2026]\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3.3.2\nIOC and the Future of the Ocean\, including the Phase II Report and Proposal for Phase III\, and Vision for strengthening IOCAFRICA and other IOC Regional Subsidiary Bodies\n\n IOC and the Future of the Ocean: Results of Phase II Consultation and Proposed Methodology for phase III Consultation [IOC/EC-59/4.3.1.Doc(1)\, 30 June-3 July 2026]\n Results on the Phase2 Consultation [IOC/INF-1555\, June 2026]\n Results on the Phase 1 Consultation [IOC/A-33/5.3.Doc(1)\, June 2025]\n Consultation Process – IOC and the Future of the Ocean: Sustainable Delivery and Expansion of IOC Activities [IOC/EC-57/3.1.Doc(4)\, 30 April 2024]\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3.3.3\nIOC Draft Programme and Budget for 2028-2029 (44 C/5) – Preliminary Proposal from the IOC Secretariat\n\n Draft Programme and Budget 2028–2029 (44 C/5) Preliminary Proposals from the Secretariat [IOC/EC-59/4.4.Doc(1) Rev.2\, 30 June-3 July 2026]\n\n\n\n\n4.\nStrategic and Programme Development\n\n\n\n4.1\nRole of IOC in the Implementation of the BBNJ Agreement\n\n Interim Report of the IOC Working Group on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (IOC/WG-BBNJ)\, 2026 [IOC/EC-59/3.7.Doc(1)\, June 2026]\n\n\n\n\n\n4.2\nIOC Implementation of its Strategy on Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM) Strategy\n\n IOC-Wide Strategy on Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (2025–2030) and Implementation Plan (2025–2027) [IOC/A-33/4.1.Doc(1)\, June 2026]\n\n\n\n\n\n4.3\nUN Ocean Decade Global Development\n\n Implementation of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development including Progress against the Mid-term Evaluation Action Plan [IOC/INF-1553，June 2026]\n\n\n\n\n\n4.4\nThe Sub-Commission’s Engagement and Contribution to the UN Ocean Decade\n\n\n\n\n4.4.1\nAn Overview of the WESTPAC efforts\, including its hosted Decade Coordination Office\n\n\n\n\n4.4.2\nUN 21: Accelerate Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific and its Adjacent Areas\, including the MSP Regional Action Framework (2025-2030)\n\n Action framework for accelerating marine spatial planning in the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas (2025-2030)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4.4.3\nUN 22: Stem the Tide of Asia’s Riverine Plastic Emission into the Ocean\n\n\nInformal workshop\non the “IOC and the Future of Ocean”\, 11 November 2026\, 09:00-12:30\n\n\n\n\n4.4.4\nUN 23: Accelerating Transformations in Capacity Development in the Western Pacific – Regional Network of Training and Research Centers (RTRCs) on Marine Science\n\n Proposal for hosting the Regional Training and Research Center on Regenerative Aquaculture for Community and Ecosystems (RTRC-RACE)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4.4.5\nUN 24: Explore the Strongest Ocean Current in the Western Pacific: the 2nd Cooperative Study of Kuroshio and Adjacent Regions\n\n\n\n\n4.4.6\nUN 39: Ocean Solutions in the East Asian Seas\n\n\n\n\n4.4.7\nUN 42: The WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & UN Ocean Decade Regional Conferences (2021-2030)\n\n\n\n\n4.4.8\nUN 46: Collaborations for NWP Marine Ecosystem Prediction (COSMEC) to be presented under 5.7\n\n\n5.\nImplementation of Decisions Taken at the Last Session (WESTPAC-XV\, 11-13 March 2025\, Tokyo\, Japan)\n\n\n\n5.1\nPreparations of the 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 12th WESTPAC IMSC (20-23 April 2027\, the Philippines)\n\n\n\n5.2\nTask Force on BBNJ (2025-2027)\n\n\n\n5.3\nTask Force on Ocean Literacy (2025-2027)\n\n\n\n5.4\nWorking Group on Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration with an initial focus on Mangroves (2025-2028)\n\n\n\n5.5\nWorking Group on Seagrass Research\, Monitoring\, and Conservation (2025-2028)\n\n\n\n5.6\nMethane Fluxes and their Impacts on Climate and Ecosystem in the Indo-Pacific Region (2025-2029)\n\n\n\n5.7\nPrediction of Marine Ecosystem Changes in the Northwest Pacific Ocean (2025-2030) (transformed as UN 46)\n\n\n6.\nReview and Evaluation of the Latest Development of Regional Programmes\, Projects and Working Groups Aligned with the IOC High Level Objectives (HLOs)\n\n IOC Medium-Term Strategy (2022-2029)\n IOC Result Framework (2026-2029)\, an excerpt from the UNESCO Approved Programme and Budget 2026-2027 (43C/5)\n\n\n\n\nIOC High Level Objectives (HLOs)\nRegional Priority Programme Areas (RPAs)\n\n\n\nHLO 1.\nHealthy Ocean and sustained ocean ecosystem services\nRPA 2.\nMarine Biodiversity Conservation\, Ocean Ecosystems and Human Health\,\nand Blue Economy\nCross-cutting: Ocean Literacy and Capacity Development\n\n\n\nHLO 2.\nEffective warning systems and preparedness for tsunamis and other\nocean-related hazards\nRPA 3.\nDisaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness\n\n\n\nHLO 3.\nResilience to climate change and contribution to its mitigation\, including eCORE-SEAS with CoastPredict\nRPA 1.\nOcean-Based Solutions to Climate Change\n(Mitigation\, Adaptation\, and Resilience)\n\n\n\nHLO 4.\nScientifically founded services for the sustainable ocean economy\nIncluded in RPA 2.\n\n\n\nHLO 5.\nForesight on emerging ocean science issues.\nRPA 4.\nKnowledge for Emerging Issues\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n7.\nReview of the Draft Regional Blueprint\n\n\n8.\nEstablishment of new WESTPAC Programmes/Projects/Working Groups \n\n\n9.\nWESTPAC Programme and Budget for the Period 2028-2029\n\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XVI/9\n\n\n\n\n10.\nKey Conclusions to Inform Phase 3 Consultation Process for ‘IOC and the Future of the Ocean’\n\n\n11.\nElections of the Officers of the Sub-Commission\n\n Election Procedures\n Nomination Forms\n\n\n\n\n12.\nDate and Place of the Next Session\n\n\n13.\nOther Matters\n\n\n14.\nAdoption of Action Points\, and Recommendations if any\n\n\n15.\nClosure\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Logistical Information Note1.Hotel Reservation Form (word file)2.Registration Form (excel file) URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/2nd-sirad-workshop/ LOCATION:Malang\, Indonesia ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Malang.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20251009T140000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20251010T120000 DTSTAMP:20260105T052746Z CREATED:20250923T091217Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T052746Z UID:42427-1760018400-1760097600@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:Scoping Workshop for the Intersessional Task Force on Ocean Literacy DESCRIPTION:Hangzhou\, China\, 10-12 November 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n Overview\n Provisional Agenda & Meeting Documents\n Logistical Information Note\n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 16th Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-XVI) will be hosted by the Government of China\, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and its Second Institute of Oceanography\, in Hangzhou\, China\, from 10 to 12 November 2026. \n \n \n \n As the principal governing body of the Sub-Commission\, the Intergovernmental Session will bring together national competent agencies\, marine scientific communities\, and other relevant ocean stakeholders from across the region to foster ocean science-policy interface\, review progress\, enhance institutional capacities\, promote the transfer of ocean technology\, and shape priorities—particularly over the next two years—for developing ocean science solutions that support sustainable development in the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. \n \n \n \n The meeting will serve as an important statutory platform for strengthening regional collaboration in ocean-based solutions to climate change\, marine biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration\, and sustainable ocean planning and management. Member States will also deliberate on the Sub-Commission’s contribution to\, and engagement in\, relevant international instruments and frameworks\, including the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030)\, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework\, and the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). \n \n \n \n Further details\, including the provisional agenda\, reports and information for the session will be shared electronically in advance on the WESTPAC website. WESTPAC-XVI will also involve elections for Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons\, with nomination details and forms provided in the IOC Circular Letter no. 3077. \n \n \n \n Should you have any questions or require any assistance on the logistic arrangements\, please feel free to contact info-scwestpac16@sio.org.cn with a copy to n.saransuth@unesco.org \n \n \n \n Relevant Documents and Forms IOC Circular Letter No. 3077Election ProceduresNomination Form (word file)Provisional timetable (as of 20 September 2026)Provisional agenda (as of 12 September 2026)Logistical Information NoteHotel Reservation Form (word file)Registration Form (excel file) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nAgenda\n\n\n1.\nOpening\n\n\n\n1.1\nWelcoming and Opening Remarks\n\n\n\n1.2\nKeynote\nAdvancing Ocean Science and Technology in the Era of Artificial Intelligence \nProf. Dake Chen (陈大可)\, Academician\, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Senior Researchers\, Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO)\, Ministry of Natural Resources\, China \nProfessor Dake Chen is a distinguished physical oceanographer. His research focuses on ocean–atmosphere interactions\, ocean circulation dynamics\, climate variability and predictability\, particularly the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). He has been actively engaged in advancing ocean observation\, numerical modelling\, and climate prediction capabilities. His broad scientific expertise and international research experience offer valuable perspectives on the future development of ocean science\, particularly in strengthening ocean observing and prediction systems\, advancing international scientific cooperation\, and translating scientific knowledge into societal benefits.\n\n\n2.\nOrganization of the Session\n\n\n\n2.1\nAdoption of the Agenda\n\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XVI/2.1 prov (as of 12 September 2026)\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XVI/2.1 annotated prov\n\n\n\n\n\n2.2\nConduction of the Session\n\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/2.1 prov timetable (as of 20 September 2026)\n\n\n\n\n3.\nStatutory Reports\n\n\n\n3.1\nStatement of the Chairperson\, including Key Governance\, Policy and Strategic Developments\n\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XVI/3.1\n\n\n\n\n\n3.2\nReport by the Head of WESTPAC Office on Intersessional Programme Development and Implementation\, including the Resource Mobilization and the Operation of the WESTPAC Office and the Decade Coordination Office\n\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XVI/3.2\n\n\n\n\n\n3.3\nRecent Developments within UNESCO\, IOC\, and Their Relevance to WESTPAC\n\n\n\n\n3.3.1\nIOC Executive Secretary’s Report\, including IOC Governance and Management Processes \n\n Update on Progress of Review of Governance and Management Processes [IOC/EC-59/4.2.1.Doc(1)\, 30 June – 3 July 2026]\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3.3.2\nIOC and the Future of the Ocean\, including the Phase II Report and Proposal for Phase III\, and Vision for strengthening IOCAFRICA and other IOC Regional Subsidiary Bodies\n\n IOC and the Future of the Ocean: Results of Phase II Consultation and Proposed Methodology for phase III Consultation [IOC/EC-59/4.3.1.Doc(1)\, 30 June-3 July 2026]\n Results on the Phase2 Consultation [IOC/INF-1555\, June 2026]\n Results on the Phase 1 Consultation [IOC/A-33/5.3.Doc(1)\, June 2025]\n Consultation Process – IOC and the Future of the Ocean: Sustainable Delivery and Expansion of IOC Activities [IOC/EC-57/3.1.Doc(4)\, 30 April 2024]\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3.3.3\nIOC Draft Programme and Budget for 2028-2029 (44 C/5) – Preliminary Proposal from the IOC Secretariat\n\n Draft Programme and Budget 2028–2029 (44 C/5) Preliminary Proposals from the Secretariat [IOC/EC-59/4.4.Doc(1) Rev.2\, 30 June-3 July 2026]\n\n\n\n\n4.\nStrategic and Programme Development\n\n\n\n4.1\nRole of IOC in the Implementation of the BBNJ Agreement\n\n Interim Report of the IOC Working Group on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (IOC/WG-BBNJ)\, 2026 [IOC/EC-59/3.7.Doc(1)\, June 2026]\n\n\n\n\n\n4.2\nIOC Implementation of its Strategy on Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM) Strategy\n\n IOC-Wide Strategy on Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (2025–2030) and Implementation Plan (2025–2027) [IOC/A-33/4.1.Doc(1)\, June 2026]\n\n\n\n\n\n4.3\nUN Ocean Decade Global Development\n\n Implementation of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development including Progress against the Mid-term Evaluation Action Plan [IOC/INF-1553，June 2026]\n\n\n\n\n\n4.4\nThe Sub-Commission’s Engagement and Contribution to the UN Ocean Decade\n\n\n\n\n4.4.1\nAn Overview of the WESTPAC efforts\, including its hosted Decade Coordination Office\n\n\n\n\n4.4.2\nUN 21: Accelerate Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific and its Adjacent Areas\, including the MSP Regional Action Framework (2025-2030)\n\n Action framework for accelerating marine spatial planning in the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas (2025-2030)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4.4.3\nUN 22: Stem the Tide of Asia’s Riverine Plastic Emission into the Ocean\n\n\nInformal workshop\non the “IOC and the Future of Ocean”\, 11 November 2026\, 09:00-12:30\n\n\n\n\n4.4.4\nUN 23: Accelerating Transformations in Capacity Development in the Western Pacific – Regional Network of Training and Research Centers (RTRCs) on Marine Science\n\n Proposal for hosting the Regional Training and Research Center on Regenerative Aquaculture for Community and Ecosystems (RTRC-RACE)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4.4.5\nUN 24: Explore the Strongest Ocean Current in the Western Pacific: the 2nd Cooperative Study of Kuroshio and Adjacent Regions\n\n\n\n\n4.4.6\nUN 39: Ocean Solutions in the East Asian Seas\n\n\n\n\n4.4.7\nUN 42: The WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & UN Ocean Decade Regional Conferences (2021-2030)\n\n\n\n\n4.4.8\nUN 46: Collaborations for NWP Marine Ecosystem Prediction (COSMEC) to be presented under 5.7\n\n\n5.\nImplementation of Decisions Taken at the Last Session (WESTPAC-XV\, 11-13 March 2025\, Tokyo\, Japan)\n\n\n\n5.1\nPreparations of the 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 12th WESTPAC IMSC (20-23 April 2027\, the Philippines)\n\n\n\n5.2\nTask Force on BBNJ (2025-2027)\n\n\n\n5.3\nTask Force on Ocean Literacy (2025-2027)\n\n\n\n5.4\nWorking Group on Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration with an initial focus on Mangroves (2025-2028)\n\n\n\n5.5\nWorking Group on Seagrass Research\, Monitoring\, and Conservation (2025-2028)\n\n\n\n5.6\nMethane Fluxes and their Impacts on Climate and Ecosystem in the Indo-Pacific Region (2025-2029)\n\n\n\n5.7\nPrediction of Marine Ecosystem Changes in the Northwest Pacific Ocean (2025-2030) (transformed as UN 46)\n\n\n6.\nReview and Evaluation of the Latest Development of Regional Programmes\, Projects and Working Groups Aligned with the IOC High Level Objectives (HLOs)\n\n IOC Medium-Term Strategy (2022-2029)\n IOC Result Framework (2026-2029)\, an excerpt from the UNESCO Approved Programme and Budget 2026-2027 (43C/5)\n\n\n\n\nIOC High Level Objectives (HLOs)\nRegional Priority Programme Areas (RPAs)\n\n\n\nHLO 1.\nHealthy Ocean and sustained ocean ecosystem services\nRPA 2.\nMarine Biodiversity Conservation\, Ocean Ecosystems and Human Health\,\nand Blue Economy\nCross-cutting: Ocean Literacy and Capacity Development\n\n\n\nHLO 2.\nEffective warning systems and preparedness for tsunamis and other\nocean-related hazards\nRPA 3.\nDisaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness\n\n\n\nHLO 3.\nResilience to climate change and contribution to its mitigation\, including eCORE-SEAS with CoastPredict\nRPA 1.\nOcean-Based Solutions to Climate Change\n(Mitigation\, Adaptation\, and Resilience)\n\n\n\nHLO 4.\nScientifically founded services for the sustainable ocean economy\nIncluded in RPA 2.\n\n\n\nHLO 5.\nForesight on emerging ocean science issues.\nRPA 4.\nKnowledge for Emerging Issues\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n7.\nReview of the Draft Regional Blueprint\n\n\n8.\nEstablishment of new WESTPAC Programmes/Projects/Working Groups \n\n\n9.\nWESTPAC Programme and Budget for the Period 2028-2029\n\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XVI/9\n\n\n\n\n10.\nKey Conclusions to Inform Phase 3 Consultation Process for ‘IOC and the Future of the Ocean’\n\n\n11.\nElections of the Officers of the Sub-Commission\n\n Election Procedures\n Nomination Forms\n\n\n\n\n12.\nDate and Place of the Next Session\n\n\n13.\nOther Matters\n\n\n14.\nAdoption of Action Points\, and Recommendations if any\n\n\n15.\nClosure\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Logistical Information Note1.Hotel Reservation Form (word file)2.Registration Form (excel file) URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/scoping-workshop-on-ocean-literacy/ LOCATION:Online ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/oceanshinechildren-1-e1761731572104.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20251014T080000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Krasnoyarsk:20251016T170000 DTSTAMP:20251020T054942Z CREATED:20250708T072415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T054942Z UID:39428-1760428800-1760634000@ioc-westpac.org SUMMARY:2nd WESTPAC Workshop on Marine Spatial Planning DESCRIPTION:Hangzhou\, China\, 10-12 November 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n Overview\n Provisional Agenda & Meeting Documents\n Logistical Information Note\n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 16th Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC-XVI) will be hosted by the Government of China\, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and its Second Institute of Oceanography\, in Hangzhou\, China\, from 10 to 12 November 2026. \n \n \n \n As the principal governing body of the Sub-Commission\, the Intergovernmental Session will bring together national competent agencies\, marine scientific communities\, and other relevant ocean stakeholders from across the region to foster ocean science-policy interface\, review progress\, enhance institutional capacities\, promote the transfer of ocean technology\, and shape priorities—particularly over the next two years—for developing ocean science solutions that support sustainable development in the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas. \n \n \n \n The meeting will serve as an important statutory platform for strengthening regional collaboration in ocean-based solutions to climate change\, marine biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration\, and sustainable ocean planning and management. Member States will also deliberate on the Sub-Commission’s contribution to\, and engagement in\, relevant international instruments and frameworks\, including the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030)\, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework\, and the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). \n \n \n \n Further details\, including the provisional agenda\, reports and information for the session will be shared electronically in advance on the WESTPAC website. WESTPAC-XVI will also involve elections for Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons\, with nomination details and forms provided in the IOC Circular Letter no. 3077. \n \n \n \n Should you have any questions or require any assistance on the logistic arrangements\, please feel free to contact info-scwestpac16@sio.org.cn with a copy to n.saransuth@unesco.org \n \n \n \n Relevant Documents and Forms IOC Circular Letter No. 3077Election ProceduresNomination Form (word file)Provisional timetable (as of 20 September 2026)Provisional agenda (as of 12 September 2026)Logistical Information NoteHotel Reservation Form (word file)Registration Form (excel file) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nAgenda\n\n\n1.\nOpening\n\n\n\n1.1\nWelcoming and Opening Remarks\n\n\n\n1.2\nKeynote\nAdvancing Ocean Science and Technology in the Era of Artificial Intelligence \nProf. Dake Chen (陈大可)\, Academician\, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Senior Researchers\, Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO)\, Ministry of Natural Resources\, China \nProfessor Dake Chen is a distinguished physical oceanographer. His research focuses on ocean–atmosphere interactions\, ocean circulation dynamics\, climate variability and predictability\, particularly the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). He has been actively engaged in advancing ocean observation\, numerical modelling\, and climate prediction capabilities. His broad scientific expertise and international research experience offer valuable perspectives on the future development of ocean science\, particularly in strengthening ocean observing and prediction systems\, advancing international scientific cooperation\, and translating scientific knowledge into societal benefits.\n\n\n2.\nOrganization of the Session\n\n\n\n2.1\nAdoption of the Agenda\n\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XVI/2.1 prov (as of 12 September 2026)\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XVI/2.1 annotated prov\n\n\n\n\n\n2.2\nConduction of the Session\n\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XV/2.1 prov timetable (as of 20 September 2026)\n\n\n\n\n3.\nStatutory Reports\n\n\n\n3.1\nStatement of the Chairperson\, including Key Governance\, Policy and Strategic Developments\n\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XVI/3.1\n\n\n\n\n\n3.2\nReport by the Head of WESTPAC Office on Intersessional Programme Development and Implementation\, including the Resource Mobilization and the Operation of the WESTPAC Office and the Decade Coordination Office\n\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XVI/3.2\n\n\n\n\n\n3.3\nRecent Developments within UNESCO\, IOC\, and Their Relevance to WESTPAC\n\n\n\n\n3.3.1\nIOC Executive Secretary’s Report\, including IOC Governance and Management Processes \n\n Update on Progress of Review of Governance and Management Processes [IOC/EC-59/4.2.1.Doc(1)\, 30 June – 3 July 2026]\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3.3.2\nIOC and the Future of the Ocean\, including the Phase II Report and Proposal for Phase III\, and Vision for strengthening IOCAFRICA and other IOC Regional Subsidiary Bodies\n\n IOC and the Future of the Ocean: Results of Phase II Consultation and Proposed Methodology for phase III Consultation [IOC/EC-59/4.3.1.Doc(1)\, 30 June-3 July 2026]\n Results on the Phase2 Consultation [IOC/INF-1555\, June 2026]\n Results on the Phase 1 Consultation [IOC/A-33/5.3.Doc(1)\, June 2025]\n Consultation Process – IOC and the Future of the Ocean: Sustainable Delivery and Expansion of IOC Activities [IOC/EC-57/3.1.Doc(4)\, 30 April 2024]\n\n\n\n\n\n\n3.3.3\nIOC Draft Programme and Budget for 2028-2029 (44 C/5) – Preliminary Proposal from the IOC Secretariat\n\n Draft Programme and Budget 2028–2029 (44 C/5) Preliminary Proposals from the Secretariat [IOC/EC-59/4.4.Doc(1) Rev.2\, 30 June-3 July 2026]\n\n\n\n\n4.\nStrategic and Programme Development\n\n\n\n4.1\nRole of IOC in the Implementation of the BBNJ Agreement\n\n Interim Report of the IOC Working Group on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (IOC/WG-BBNJ)\, 2026 [IOC/EC-59/3.7.Doc(1)\, June 2026]\n\n\n\n\n\n4.2\nIOC Implementation of its Strategy on Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (SOPM) Strategy\n\n IOC-Wide Strategy on Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management (2025–2030) and Implementation Plan (2025–2027) [IOC/A-33/4.1.Doc(1)\, June 2026]\n\n\n\n\n\n4.3\nUN Ocean Decade Global Development\n\n Implementation of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development including Progress against the Mid-term Evaluation Action Plan [IOC/INF-1553，June 2026]\n\n\n\n\n\n4.4\nThe Sub-Commission’s Engagement and Contribution to the UN Ocean Decade\n\n\n\n\n4.4.1\nAn Overview of the WESTPAC efforts\, including its hosted Decade Coordination Office\n\n\n\n\n4.4.2\nUN 21: Accelerate Marine Spatial Planning in the Western Pacific and its Adjacent Areas\, including the MSP Regional Action Framework (2025-2030)\n\n Action framework for accelerating marine spatial planning in the Western Pacific and its adjacent areas (2025-2030)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4.4.3\nUN 22: Stem the Tide of Asia’s Riverine Plastic Emission into the Ocean\n\n\nInformal workshop\non the “IOC and the Future of Ocean”\, 11 November 2026\, 09:00-12:30\n\n\n\n\n4.4.4\nUN 23: Accelerating Transformations in Capacity Development in the Western Pacific – Regional Network of Training and Research Centers (RTRCs) on Marine Science\n\n Proposal for hosting the Regional Training and Research Center on Regenerative Aquaculture for Community and Ecosystems (RTRC-RACE)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4.4.5\nUN 24: Explore the Strongest Ocean Current in the Western Pacific: the 2nd Cooperative Study of Kuroshio and Adjacent Regions\n\n\n\n\n4.4.6\nUN 39: Ocean Solutions in the East Asian Seas\n\n\n\n\n4.4.7\nUN 42: The WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & UN Ocean Decade Regional Conferences (2021-2030)\n\n\n\n\n4.4.8\nUN 46: Collaborations for NWP Marine Ecosystem Prediction (COSMEC) to be presented under 5.7\n\n\n5.\nImplementation of Decisions Taken at the Last Session (WESTPAC-XV\, 11-13 March 2025\, Tokyo\, Japan)\n\n\n\n5.1\nPreparations of the 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 12th WESTPAC IMSC (20-23 April 2027\, the Philippines)\n\n\n\n5.2\nTask Force on BBNJ (2025-2027)\n\n\n\n5.3\nTask Force on Ocean Literacy (2025-2027)\n\n\n\n5.4\nWorking Group on Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration with an initial focus on Mangroves (2025-2028)\n\n\n\n5.5\nWorking Group on Seagrass Research\, Monitoring\, and Conservation (2025-2028)\n\n\n\n5.6\nMethane Fluxes and their Impacts on Climate and Ecosystem in the Indo-Pacific Region (2025-2029)\n\n\n\n5.7\nPrediction of Marine Ecosystem Changes in the Northwest Pacific Ocean (2025-2030) (transformed as UN 46)\n\n\n6.\nReview and Evaluation of the Latest Development of Regional Programmes\, Projects and Working Groups Aligned with the IOC High Level Objectives (HLOs)\n\n IOC Medium-Term Strategy (2022-2029)\n IOC Result Framework (2026-2029)\, an excerpt from the UNESCO Approved Programme and Budget 2026-2027 (43C/5)\n\n\n\n\nIOC High Level Objectives (HLOs)\nRegional Priority Programme Areas (RPAs)\n\n\n\nHLO 1.\nHealthy Ocean and sustained ocean ecosystem services\nRPA 2.\nMarine Biodiversity Conservation\, Ocean Ecosystems and Human Health\,\nand Blue Economy\nCross-cutting: Ocean Literacy and Capacity Development\n\n\n\nHLO 2.\nEffective warning systems and preparedness for tsunamis and other\nocean-related hazards\nRPA 3.\nDisaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness\n\n\n\nHLO 3.\nResilience to climate change and contribution to its mitigation\, including eCORE-SEAS with CoastPredict\nRPA 1.\nOcean-Based Solutions to Climate Change\n(Mitigation\, Adaptation\, and Resilience)\n\n\n\nHLO 4.\nScientifically founded services for the sustainable ocean economy\nIncluded in RPA 2.\n\n\n\nHLO 5.\nForesight on emerging ocean science issues.\nRPA 4.\nKnowledge for Emerging Issues\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n7.\nReview of the Draft Regional Blueprint\n\n\n8.\nEstablishment of new WESTPAC Programmes/Projects/Working Groups \n\n\n9.\nWESTPAC Programme and Budget for the Period 2028-2029\n\n IOC/SC-WESTPAC-XVI/9\n\n\n\n\n10.\nKey Conclusions to Inform Phase 3 Consultation Process for ‘IOC and the Future of the Ocean’\n\n\n11.\nElections of the Officers of the Sub-Commission\n\n Election Procedures\n Nomination Forms\n\n\n\n\n12.\nDate and Place of the Next Session\n\n\n13.\nOther Matters\n\n\n14.\nAdoption of Action Points\, and Recommendations if any\n\n\n15.\nClosure\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Logistical Information Note1.Hotel Reservation Form (word file)2.Registration Form (excel file) URL:https://ioc-westpac.org/event/2nd-workshop-on-msp/ LOCATION:Chonburi\, Thailand ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ioc-westpac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Chonburi-wp-e1761731471558.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR