22 June 2011: The closing celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the UN Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) aimed to promote international awareness of, and involvement in, ocean science.

In a statement delivered at the ceremony, Michel Jarraud, World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General, outlined the history of collaboration between the IOC and the WMO, praising the close cooperation between oceanographers and meteorologists. He stressed that oceans are “a major component of the global climate system,” noting that they “contribute to sustain a large percentage of the Earth’s population and a substantial share of its biodiversity.” He underlined the role of oceans science for the protection and sustainable use of oceans and coasts, as well as the threats faced by oceans, including extreme weather events, climate change, marine pollution and over-exploitation. [Jarraud’s Statement] [IOC Website]