17:30

Start of the Inauguration

17:30-17:35

Welcome by the Hosting Institute

Prof. Jan Mees, Director of the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ)

17:35-17:45

Flemish Government support to EMODnet
Dirk Van Melkebeke, Secretary General of the Department of Economy, Science and Innovation (EWI) of the Flemish Government

17:45-17:55

Marine Knowledge 2020 and the importance of EMODnet
Lowri Evans, Director General of the European Commission Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries

17:55-18:05

Perspectives from the hydrographic community

Gilles Bessero, Director, International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)

18:05-18:15

Importance and international dimensions of marine observation and data acquisition, processing and management
Dr. Wendy Watson-Wright, Assistant Director General and Executive Secretary, UNESCO, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission

18:15-18:25

Towards a European Ocean Observing System (EOOS)

Dr. Niall McDonough, Executive Scientific Secretary, European Marine Board

18:25-18:35

The European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) and its Secretariat
Prof. Phil Weaver, EMODnet Secretariat, Managing Director of Seascape Consultants

18:35

Official Inauguration 
Unveiling of EMODnet Secretariat Office inaugural plaque and photo moment

18:45

Buffet - Reception

21:00

End of Reception