Daily Current Affairs : 10-October-2023
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) holds a pivotal role in promoting regional collaboration and sustainable development among the countries bordering the Indian Ocean. Established in 1997, this intergovernmental organization includes 23 member states and 11 dialogue partners, spanning across Africa, West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. The recent announcement of Sri Lanka assuming the chairmanship of IORA during the 23rd Council of Ministers’ Meeting in Colombo signifies a significant development in the realm of international cooperation.
Membership and Objectives:
IORA comprises diverse member countries such as Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa, and many others. The primary objective of IORA is to strengthen regional cooperation and promote sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region. The organization operates under the principle that all sovereign states bordering the Indian Ocean are eligible for membership, fostering an inclusive approach to regional collaboration.
Structure of IORA:
IORA’s governing structure is composed of the Council of Foreign Ministers (COM), its apex body, which convenes annually. Additionally, a Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) meets biannually to drive forward the organization’s agenda. This structured approach ensures regular dialogue and facilitates the implementation of collaborative initiatives among member states.
Sri Lanka’s Chairmanship:
Sri Lanka’s appointment as the chair of IORA is a testament to the nation’s diplomatic prowess and strategic significance in the Indian Ocean region. As the new chair, Sri Lanka will play a crucial role in guiding the organization’s activities and fostering meaningful partnerships among member states. The country’s leadership provides an opportunity to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
Significance of Sri Lanka’s Leadership:
- Promoting Regional Peace: Sri Lanka’s chairmanship offers a platform to address regional challenges and conflicts, fostering a peaceful atmosphere conducive to economic growth and development.
- Enhancing Economic Cooperation: Sri Lanka can spearhead initiatives to enhance economic cooperation, trade, and investment among member states, leading to shared prosperity.
- Environmental Sustainability: Given the environmental challenges faced by Indian Ocean countries, Sri Lanka can champion initiatives for marine conservation, pollution control, and sustainable fishing practices.
- Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Connectivity: Sri Lanka can encourage cultural exchange programs and people-to-people connectivity, strengthening the social fabric among diverse member states.
Important Points:
- IORA Membership and Objectives:
- 23 member states and 11 dialogue partners from diverse regions bordering the Indian Ocean.
- Aim: Strengthening regional cooperation and promoting sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region.
- Sri Lanka’s Chairmanship:
- Appointment as the chair of IORA during the 23rd Council of Ministers’ Meeting in Colombo.
- Acknowledgment of Sri Lanka’s diplomatic importance and strategic role in the Indian Ocean region.
- IORA’s Governing Structure:
- Apex body: Council of Foreign Ministers (COM) convenes annually.
- Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) meets twice a year to drive the organization’s agenda.
- Ensures regular dialogue and implementation of collaborative initiatives among member states.
- Significance of Sri Lanka’s Leadership:
- Promoting Regional Peace:
- Addressing regional challenges and conflicts, fostering a peaceful atmosphere for economic growth.
- Enhancing Economic Cooperation:
- Spearheading initiatives to boost economic cooperation, trade, and investment among member states.
- Environmental Sustainability:
- Championing initiatives for marine conservation, pollution control, and sustainable fishing practices.
- Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Connectivity:
- Encouraging cultural exchange programs and enhancing social ties among diverse member states.
- Promoting Regional Peace:
Why In News
Sri Lanka is poised to assume the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association during the 23rd Council of Ministers’ Meeting in Colombo, showcasing the country’s growing regional influence and commitment to fostering collaboration among Indian Ocean nations.
MCQs about Sri Lanka’s IORA Leadership
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What is the primary objective of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)?
A. Promoting military alliances in the Indian Ocean region
B. Strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development
C. Fostering global economic dominance
D. Facilitating space exploration initiatives
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How often does the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) of IORA meet to progress the organization’s agenda?
A. Quarterly
B. Annually
C. Twice a year
D. Monthly
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Which of the following is one of the responsibilities of Sri Lanka as the chair of IORA?
A. Fostering regional harmony and growth
B. Promoting military conflicts
C. Encouraging environmental degradation
D. Advocating for isolationist policies
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What is the significance of Sri Lanka’s leadership role in IORA?
A. Fostering international disputes
B. Driving peace, prosperity, and sustainability in the region
C. Encouraging cultural isolation
D. Ignoring regional cooperation
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