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Antigua and Barbuda Expresses Willingness to Join IOC-UNESCO and Strengthen Engagement With IOCARIBE
Cartagena, 05 May 2025 — IOCARIBE, the Sub-Commission for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, welcomes the formal expression of interest from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to join IOC-UNESCO and to become actively engaged in IOCARIBE activities in the region.
In an official letter addressed to the Executive Secretary of the IOC, Mr. Vidar Helgesen, and copied to the Director-General of UNESCO, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda acknowledged the global leadership of the IOC in addressing the challenges affecting the marine environment. The letter also emphasized the country’s commitment to strengthening its engagement in ocean science cooperation as part of its sustainable development agenda.
6 May 2025
Antigua and Barbuda, a UNESCO Member State for over 40 years, recognized that while it has actively participated in the work of the Culture Commission, it has yet to fully benefit from other UNESCO bodies such as the IOC. Through internal consultations and collaboration with IOCARIBE, the country has identified priority areas for deeper involvement.
In its correspondence, the Government designated the National Ocean Governance Committee as the National Coordinating Body for Liaison with IOC and appointed two national focal points: Ambassador Dwight C.R. Gardiner, Chair of the Committee, and Dr. Tricia Lovell, Vice-Chair.
The Government also expressed interest in being considered as a pilot country for sustainable ocean planning and management tools, highlighting the urgent need to build resilience in coastal areas in the face of climate change.
