A vigorous twist in Malta’s role in IOC/UNESCO was made recently by officially designating Xjenza Malta as the national coordinating body for liaison with the Commission.

Following the pace of the 150 Member States of the IOC/UNESCO, Malta recognises that cooperation in marine sciences within and across countries are key enablers to develop knowledge and capacity, leading to economic and social progress, and securing peace and sustainable development.

Key aims of Xjenza Malta include the development of a national hub for the coordination of integrated ocean observations across disciplines and sectors, fostering connections between government stakeholders, marine research players, the beneficiaries of ocean data and information, and other national organisations to achieve a coordinated system for sustained ocean observations in the context of the Global Ocean Observing System 2030 Strategy.

The IOC/UNESCO promotes international cooperation in marine sciences to improve management of the ocean, coasts and marine resources. Member States work together by coordinating programmes in capacity development, ocean observations and services, ocean science, tsunami warning and ocean literacy. IOC is a key sponsor of GOOS, the Global Ocean Observing System, that aims to provide countries and end-users with critical marine data for climate, operational services, and ocean health. IOC further coordinates the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030, the “Ocean Decade”.

For further information please see the official IOC video HERE.