IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)
Advancing knowledge and cooperation for a healthy ocean and prosperous society
Our Vision
“Advancing ocean knowledge and management to shape a sustainable future we want.”
Mission
The UNESCO/IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) enables Member States in the Western Pacific and adjacent areas to work together by developing, coordinating, and implementing programmes in ocean science, ocean observations and services, sustainable ocean planning and management, capacity development, and ocean literacy.
Its work advances the mission of UNESCO and IOC to promote the advancement of science and its applications to social, environmental, and economic development, thereby contributing to a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world.
The UNESCO/IOC is the entity in charge of coordinating the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (the Ocean Decade). The Ocean Decade provides a convening framework for scientists and stakeholders from diverse sectors to develop scientific knowledge and the partnerships needed to accelerate and harness advances in ocean science, and deliver science-based solutions to achieve the 2030 Agenda. The WESTPAC Office based in Bangkok, Thailand, is designated as the Decade Coordination Office for the region.
Key Areas of Action
In line with the High-Level Objectives (HLOs) of IOC and in response to the challenges facing this particular region, the Sub-Commission focuses its efforts on:
Ocean-based solutions to climate change
Marine biodiversity conservation, ocean ecosystem and human health, and the blue economy
Marine disaster risk reduction and mitigation
Ocean literacy and capacity development
