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Dr. Lina Eyouni made history as the first Saudi Arabian, and notably the first Saudi woman, appointed to the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s (IOC) Group of Experts on Capacity Development. This role, awarded to Dr. Eyouni from Red Sea Global’s Environmental Quality and Monitoring team, demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s rising leadership in oceanographic research, its dedication to environmental sustainability and its commitment to female participation in the maritime sector.
Dr. Eyouni’s appointment represents a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia and is indicative of the Kingdom’s wider efforts to support women in sectors traditionally dominated by men. Her nomination by the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, which operates under the Ministry of Culture, reflects the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to promote oceanographic development in line with its Vision 2030 objectives. As part of her new responsibilities, Dr. Eyouni will focus on building bridges between Saudi expertise and international oceanographic institutions, aiming to enhance capacity building within the Kingdom.
Dr. Eyouni is highly respected on the international stage for her significant contributions to advancing global maritime initiatives. She has been a prominent figure at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), participating in key events such as high-level panels that address critical industry challenges. Her involvement in the GloFouling Women in Biofouling Management initiative highlights her commitment to promoting gender equity and sustainable practices in the maritime sector. Dr. Eyouni’s expertise and leadership continue to make a meaningful impact, inspiring collaboration and progress within the global maritime community and will continue to do so in this new role.
Through collaboration with global organisations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Dr. Eyouni plans to foster international collaboration, to help further position Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in oceanographic studies. Her immediate objectives include highlighting the quality of Saudi Arabia’s marine research and establishing partnerships to create training opportunities for students, researchers, and professionals.
Within her first six months, Dr. Eyouni’s efforts will focus on building a foundation for long-term initiatives in oceanographic research and capacity development. Among her primary goals is establishing a permanent platform for capacity building, enabling early-career professionals, especially women, to collaborate on an international level. Her vision is to create pathways that will allow more Saudi women to engage in maritime science, opening avenues for Saudi talent to better access and participate in the global maritime community.
This historic appointment showcases Saudi Arabia’s progress in the environmental and maritime sectors, while also marking an important milestone in the progress of women in maritime science and leadership. As the Kingdom strengthens its ties with international maritime and oceanographic organisations, it cements its growing role on the global stage. Dr. Eyouni’s work will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of oceanography in both Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
As Saudi Arabia continues to align its efforts with Vision 2030, Dr. Eyouni’s appointment to UNESCO’s IOC marks a significant step forward in advancing the nation’s environmental ambitions, enhancing its presence in international scientific forums and serve as an inspiration for women in the region to pursue careers in oceanography and the wider maritime sector.
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