- ODIS PROGRAMME ToR
Terms of reference for the ODIS Programme are published in November 2025.
Annex A to Recommendation IODE-28/3.4.1.2
Annex 1 to Decision A-33/3.4.2
Terms of Reference of the IOC Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS)
Objectives: The objectives of this Programme Component are to:
1. Develop in collaboration with programmes across the IOC, the IOC Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS) as a foundational digital ecosystem where users can discover and access data and information products, services, and other assets provided by Member States, projects and other partners associated with IOC;
2. Work with partners, linked and not linked to the IOC, to improve the accessibility and interoperability of existing data and information and digital service orchestration across data systems.;
3. Promote the collective maturation of the ODIS digital ecosystem towards greater interoperability and seamless, trusted, and secure data and information flows across partner systems (e.g. towards data fabric and data space models).
- ODIS Steering Group ToR
Terms of reference for the ODIS Steering Group are published in November 2025
Annex B to Recommendation IODE-28/3.4.1.2
Annex 2 to Dec. A-33/3.4.2
Terms of Reference of the IODE Steering Group for the IOC Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS-SG)
The ODIS-SG will have the following Terms of Reference:
1. In coordination with the ODIS Secretariat, propose a set of strategic priorities for one-, five-, and ten-year time horizons for the ODIS Programme Component, revised each year;
2. Review high-level work plans for the ODIS Programme Component, proposed by the ODIS Operations Group (ODIS-Ops), proposing changes where needed;
3. Advise the ODIS Secretariat and ODIS-Ops on relevant developments in national, regional, global, or sectoral data and information policy, national and international data law and practice which may impact ODIS operations;
4. Propose and, where feasible, facilitate coordination between ODIS Secretariat and new stakeholder or other interest groups;
5. Identify funding sources to further develop ODIS.
Membership: The Steering Group will be composed, inter alia, of:
– A Chair or co-Chairs of the Steering Group (*);
– Representatives from IOC Programmes;
– Invited Experts, prioritising the coverage of regions, digital capacity levels[1], socio-economic sectors, UN Ocean Decade Actions, and key groups pursuing, consolidating, or maintaining digital sovereignty;
– Representatives of major interest groups and selected ODIS partners (based on priorities following an open call) including regional/international organisations developing multi-year / decadal data strategies or with unique insight into strategically relevant issues;
– ODIS programme manager;
– IODE Secretariat;
– Representatives from relevant UN Ocean Decade Decade Coordination Offices and Collaborative Centres, and the Decade Coordination Unit
Membership will be for a period of one year (renewable).
(*) A Chair and Co-Chair of SG-ODIS will be elected at the end of the first meeting (and thereafter annually) by the members of the Group in accordance with the Rules of Procedure for IODE Programme Components, Programme Activities and Projects (IOC Manuals and Guides No. 91).