Liberia has officially become the 151st Member State of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO.
It achievement marked a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to ocean governance, climate action, and coastal zone management.
The announcement was made in an official circular (No. 3040) from the IOC Secretariat on May 20, 2025, confirming that Liberia’s membership took effect on May 14, 2025.
The membership was facilitated by a formal recommendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti.
As part of this new partnership, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, has been designated as the country’s official focal point for the IOC.
He is scheduled to represent Liberia at the 33rd Session of the IOC Assembly in Paris, France, from June 25 to July 3, 2025.
Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo expressed gratitude to the Liberian government and Minister Nyanti for the confidence reposed in him.
“I am very grateful to the Government of Liberia through Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti for the recommendation,” he said.
The IOC is the only United Nations body specializing in ocean science and services, playing a pivotal role in coordinating global efforts around marine research, oceanographic data, and coastal sustainability.
Liberia’s accession positions the country to benefit from international expertise and capacity development on climate change, marine spatial planning, and coastal erosion mitigation issues critical to the nation’s environmental survival and coastal communities.
In a formal response letter dated May 20, 2025, Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the IOC, welcomed Liberia to the Commission and acknowledged the appointment of Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo.
He also encouraged national authorities to liaise with the IOC Sub-Commission for Africa (IOCAFRICA) and designate a national coordinating body for improved coordination.
The letter further recognized Liberia’s priorities, particularly in tackling coastal erosion and promoting sustainable marine development.
The move is consistent with Liberia’s ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges and increase its engagement in multilateral platforms for science-based policymaking.
Established under UNESCO, the IOC fosters international cooperation in ocean science to improve management of the ocean, coasts, and marine resources. Its work includes ocean observation systems, tsunami warnings, and capacity building.
With Liberia’s accession, the IOC now boasts 151 Member States, advancing collective actions on the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).
Among other things, Liberia will formalize the establishment of a national coordinating body for IOC liaison and will begin integrating with regional initiatives such as IOCAFRICA.
As a national focal point, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo is expected to lead engagements that position Liberia at the forefront of regional marine research and ocean governance.
