*Yutaka Michida1, Cyndy Chandler2, Peter Pissierssens3
(1.Co-Chair of IODE, Prof. Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo, 2.Co-Chair of IODE, USA, 3.Head, IODE Project Office)
International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) was established in 1961 as one of the initial programmes of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. IODE is aiming at promoting international free and unrestricted exchange of oceanographic data and information to support as an infrastructure for all ocean and marine activities led by IOC, including ocean sciences, services such as forecasting of ocean conditions and early warning of marine hazards, and supports to decision-making processes for protection of the ocean from pollutions and conservation of marine ecosystem as well. IODE’s most essential activity is to ensure open access to oceanographic data and information based on the IOC’s International Oceanographic Data Exchange Policy, whose current version was adopted in 2003 at the 23rd Session of IOC Assembly, and through international network of National Oceanographic Data Centers (NODCs) and associated components of IODE. IODE has been keeping close and effective cooperation with related international organizations, programmes, and projects, such as WMO, UNEP, and many other. Regarding the cooperation with academic sectors, IODE has been a ‘network member’ of World Data System (WDS) of ICSU. IODE, although having more than 50 years history, should respond better to emerging issues in ocean sciences and services and to changing international marine community. IODE decided to apply its restructuring plan at its 24th Session in 2017 to its management structure and management strategy for research and technical projects within IODE. IODE also started initial discussions how it can contribute more actively and effectively to SDGs, in particular SDG-14, and to the implementation plan for UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development from 2021-2030.