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Kuwait wins IOC-UNESCO's executive council membership

Kuwait's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Dr. Meshal Hayat
Kuwait's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Dr. Meshal Hayat

By Mariam Al-Zanki

PARIS, June 28 (KUNA) -- Kuwait won Wednesday a two-year membership in the executive council of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO) during the 29th Session of IOC Assembly, which kicked off on June 21.
Electing Kuwait as a member in the IOC-UNESCO's executive council is an international appreciation and recognition of its pioneering role in Oceanography, Kuwait's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, told KUNA.
The Kuwaiti scientific institutes, most notably Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS), have contributed significantly in bolstering national and regional capabilities in preserving and protecting environments and marine habitats, Hayat added.
Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti diplomat affirmed, in his speech at the session, his country's keenness on strengthen the potentials of marine science programs on regional and international levels.
Recently, Kuwait has hosted two international meetings on Oceanography with participation of several experts from around the world, Hayat pointed out.
The two events discussed regional cooperation in facing hazards endangering the Central Indian Ocean region such as increase in acidity, in addition to boosting risk control systems in facing disasters threatening marine areas such as cyclones and tsunamis.
Established in 1960, IOC is a body with functional autonomy within UNESCO and the only competent organization for marine science within the UN system, according to IOC-UNESCO's website.
The Commission promotes international cooperation and coordinates programs in research, services, and capacity-building in order to learn more about nature and resources of the ocean and coastal areas.
It also apply that knowledge for the improvement of management, sustainable development, protection of the marine environment, and the decision-making processes of its member-states. (end) mjz.ma