17 June 2020, Geneva, Switzerland - As a first step to future cooperation, UNITAR and the International Ocean Institute (IOI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The two institutions formally agreed to seek mutually beneficial cooperation to fulfil their respective missions. UNITAR and the IOI recognized their common purpose as high standing learning, training, and capacity-building institutes. As such, the two organizations decided to actively collaborate in enhancing essential capacities of future leaders of developing countries for environmentally conscious governance. With this Memorandum of Understanding, UNITAR and the IOI aim to strengthen and equip: “A growing global network of trained and empowered leaders…with the knowledge, skills and essential attitude required for effective governance of the planet’s precious resources”.
Avenues of application: academic excellence in Ocean Governance and Diplomacy
UN Photo / Rick Bajornas
For the concrete application of this Memorandum of Understanding, both institutes envisioned implementation of activities that may include, without being limited to, joint e-courses, webinars, a potential joint Executive Diplomas, or the development of partnerships with third parties for a master’s degree. UNITAR and the IOI concurred to explore the development of projects covering thematic areas such as Ocean Governance, Arctic Diplomacy, Law of the Sea, or the Blue Economy.
World Ocean Review
The International Ocean Institute is a prominent partner of the World Ocean Review publications. The World Ocean Review compiles state of the art scientific knowledge on issues surrounding marine science. It offers commanding works of familiarisation, enabling the accessibility of complex issues to the wider public. All publications are freely available both in English and German. The latest edition expands on “The Arctic and the Antarctic – Extreme, Climatically Crucial and In Crisis”. You can consult all the World Ocean Review publications in the link below.
About the IOI
The International Ocean Institute is an independent, international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation conducting training and capacity-building in Ocean Governance globally. The IOI aims to build capacity by training young and mid-career practitioners in contemporary approaches to coastal and ocean management. It emphasises the moral, ethical, and legal values in Ocean Governance, such as equity and the peaceful use of the ocean. It further provides relevant publications, technical advice and assistance in oceans and coastal area governance, policy and management.
About UNITAR
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is an autonomous body within the United Nations, mandated by the General Assembly to develop the individual, institutional, and organizational capacities of countries and other United Nations stakeholders. It performs its core mission through high quality learning solutions and related knowledge-building trainings. UNITAR aims to enhance effective decision-making capacities, and to support country-level action for overcoming global challenges.
UN Photo / Rick Bajornas