World Ocean Council

World Ocean Council. The World Ocean Council is an international organization that brings together United Nations agencies, International Maritime Organization members, and companies like ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, and Chevron Corporation to address the Sustainable Development Goals related to the ocean. The organization works with The Ocean Conservancy, World Wildlife Fund, and International Union for Conservation of Nature to promote the sustainable use of the ocean and its resources. The World Ocean Council also collaborates with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, European Space Agency, and Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO to advance ocean science and technology.

Introduction

The World Ocean Council was established to address the growing need for a coordinated approach to managing the world's oceans, which are critical to the health of the Earth and the well-being of humanity. The organization's mission is to bring together stakeholders from the private sector, government agencies, and civil society organizations, such as the Ocean Conservancy, Surfrider Foundation, and Marine Conservation Institute, to promote the sustainable use of the ocean and its resources. The World Ocean Council works with International Chamber of Shipping, Cruise Lines International Association, and World Shipping Council to address issues related to shipping, fishing, and tourism. The organization also collaborates with University of Oxford, Harvard University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology to advance ocean research and education.

History

The World Ocean Council was founded in 2009 by a group of industry leaders, including Paul Holthus, who serves as the organization's CEO, and Admiral James Watkins, who chairs the organization's board of directors. The organization's founding members included companies like BP, Total S.A., and Statoil, as well as organizations like the International Association of Antarctica Expedition Cruise Operators and the World Tourism Organization. The World Ocean Council has since grown to include over 70 member organizations from around the world, including Siemens, Microsoft, and Dell. The organization has also established partnerships with The Nature Conservancy, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank to promote sustainable ocean development.

Organization and Membership

The World Ocean Council is a membership-based organization that brings together companies, organizations, and individuals from around the world who are committed to the sustainable use of the ocean. The organization's members include companies like Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever, as well as organizations like the National Geographic Society, Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, and Australian Institute of Marine Science. The World Ocean Council also has a number of non-governmental organization members, including Greenpeace, World Animal Protection, and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. The organization works with International Association of Ports and Harbors, BIMCO, and International Transport Workers' Federation to address issues related to ports and shipping.

Initiatives and Programs

The World Ocean Council has a number of initiatives and programs aimed at promoting the sustainable use of the ocean and its resources. The organization's Sustainable Ocean Summit is an annual conference that brings together industry leaders, government officials, and civil society representatives to discuss issues related to ocean sustainability. The World Ocean Council also has a number of working groups, including the Ocean Policy Working Group, the Marine Debris Working Group, and the Ocean Investment Working Group, which focus on specific issues related to ocean sustainability. The organization collaborates with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, International Fund for Agricultural Development, and World Food Programme to address issues related to food security and sustainable agriculture.

Governance and Leadership

The World Ocean Council is governed by a board of directors that includes representatives from the organization's member companies and organizations. The organization's CEO, Paul Holthus, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the World Ocean Council and works closely with the board of directors to develop and implement the organization's strategic plan. The World Ocean Council also has a number of advisory committees, including the Science Advisory Committee and the Finance Committee, which provide guidance and support to the organization's leadership. The organization works with International Labour Organization, World Health Organization, and United Nations Environment Programme to address issues related to human health and environmental protection. The World Ocean Council is headquartered in New York City, United States, and has a number of regional offices around the world, including in London, Tokyo, and Singapore. Category:International organizations