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

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

18:45

Buffet - Reception

21:00

End of Reception