Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Chris Fearne has signed an agreement with the International Ocean Institute (IOI) that renews the framework through which Malta will continue to host the global headquarters of this international institute, which has been based in our country for over fifty years.
The agreement updates the existing framework between Malta and the IOI and provides a modern basis for the Institute’s operations from Malta, while further strengthening Malta’s position as an international centre in the fields of ocean governance, maritime law, education and the sustainable use of marine resources.
Prior to the signing, Minister Fearne held a meeting with Antonella Vassallo, Managing Director of the IOI and Professor Simone Borg. During the meeting, the work of the Institute both in Malta and internationally was discussed, particularly in the field of training and education in ocean governance. Also present during the meeting and signing was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs, Christopher Cutajar.
Minister Fearne stressed that the sea is an integral part of Malta’s identity, economy and foreign policy, and that through this agreement our country will continue to strengthen its role at an international level in the sustainable governance of the oceans, while building on its experience and historical heritage in this field.
The International Ocean Institute was founded in 1972 by Professor Elisabeth Mann Borgese and has close historical ties to Malta. Its work is built on the principle of the ‘Common Heritage of Mankind’, a concept put forward at international level by Maltese Ambassador Arvid Pardo and which has played an important role in the development of international ocean governance.
From its headquarters in Malta, the IOI coordinates international training and education programmes, while through its international network it helps professionals, officials and policymakers in various countries strengthen their knowledge and capacities in ocean governance.
Photo: MFEA
