After hearing the report on the preparatory works that the IOC VN and IO have done so far, Prof. Chau Van Minh directed to speed up all necessary formalities to get the Government’s permission in May 2013, so that further steps can be forwarded soon.
IOC, established in 1960, is a body within the UNESCO, comprises of 142 member states. IOC/WESTPAC is one of its sub-commission, established in 1989, including 20 member states: the USA, the UK, France, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Australia, Newzealand, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Island, Tonga and 6 ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam)
From its establishment, IOC/WESTPAC has hold 9 triennial regular intergovernmental sessions in turns in its member countries, whereas the VI Session was taken place in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa. The sub-commission also holds International Scientific Symposia regularly. So far 8 symposia were organized.
The 9th IOC/WESTPAC International Scientific Symposium is the first to take place in Vietnam, and is an important event on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of WESTPAC in 2014 (1989-2014). This is an opportunity to promote the image of Vietnam in the region, to improve Vietnam's position and integration in the international arena, to exchange experience with regional countries and all over the world.
The goals of the 9th IOC/WESTPAC International Scientific Symposium with the theme titled “A healthy ocean for prosperity in the Western Pacific: scientific challenges and possible solutions” are to gather marine scientists in the region and all over the world, especially the young scientists, to present their research results, to exchange experience for a sustainable ocean management and development in the region and to deal with development and climate change challenges. The symposium is planned to be held in Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa province from 22nd to 25th April, 2014. Participants include WESPACT marine scientists and managers, officials from international organizations and leading scientists in and outside the region. For the UNESCO, Dr. Wendy Watson-Wright, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and Assistant Director General of UNESCO, is expected to attend the Symposium.
Prof Chau Van Minh, the President of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology at the meeting with IOC VN and leaders of IO