Monrovia, Liberia – In keeping with its commitment to ocean governance, climate action, and coastal zone management, Liberia has formally become the 151st Member State of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).
The IOC Secretariat confirmed that Liberia’s membership became effective on May 14, 2025, in an official circular (No. 3040) issued on May 20, 2025. Under the direction of Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally recommended the membership.
The Executive Director of Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, has also been appointed as the nation’s official IOC point of contact as part of this new collaboration. From June 25 to July 3, 2025, he represented Liberia in the 33rd Session of the IOC Assembly in Paris, France.
Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo conveyed his appreciation to Minister Nyanti and the Liberian government for their trust in him. He expressed gratitude to the Liberian government, through Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, for the suggestion.
As the sole UN agency dedicated to ocean science and services, the IOC is essential in organizing international initiatives related to oceanographic data, marine research, and coastal sustainability. With its admission, Liberia will have access to global knowledge and capacity building on climate change, marine spatial planning, and mitigating coastal erosion topics vital to the country’s coastal populations and environmental survival.
The IOC’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Vidar Helgesen, welcomed Liberia to the Commission and confirmed Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo’s appointment in an official response letter dated May 20, 2025. In order to increase coordination, he also urged national authorities to establish a national coordinating organization and communicate with the IOC Sub-Commission for Africa (IOCAFRICA).
In addition, the letter acknowledged Liberia’s aims, especially with regard to combating coastal erosion and promoting sustainable maritime development. The action aligns with Liberia’s continuous endeavors to tackle environmental issues and enhance its participation in global forums for evidence-based policymaking.
The IOC was created under UNESCO to promote global collaboration in ocean science for better ocean, coast, and marine resource management. Its activities include capacity building, tsunami alerts, and ocean monitoring systems. The IOC currently has 151 Member States after Liberia joined, promoting group efforts on the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).
Liberia will start collaborating with regional programs like IOCAFRICA and formally establish a national coordinating organization for IOC engagement. It is anticipated that Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo, as a national focal point, would spearhead initiatives that put Liberia at the forefront of ocean governance and regional marine research.
