01
Establishing priorities for regional economic cooperation initiatives.
02
Developing, monitoring, and coordinating Work Programmes that outline specific actions and projects.
03
Mobilising resources to secure the financial viability of these Work Programmes.
04
Submitting periodic reports and policy matters to the Council of Ministers, keeping them informed of progress and relevant considerations.

Furthermore, the CSO fosters engagement with IORA's Dialogue Partners by holding special sessions during their meetings. These sessions provide a valuable platform for discussing issues pertinent to IORA's priority areas, extending the organisation's reach and collaboration beyond the Indian Ocean region 

 

For further details regarding the specific roles and duties of the CSO, please refer to paragraph 5.1(b) of the IORA Charter. 

Chairship and Administration

The current IORA Chair also holds the CSO chairship. In practice, the country's Secretary of Foreign Affairs (SFA) or equivalent leads the meetings, overseeing their smooth implementation, facilitating discussions, and promoting cooperation among participating member states. 

IORA Administrator

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the host country collaborates closely with the Institutional Arrangements and Broadening Engagement (IABE) Directorate within the IORA Secretariat to manage the CSO meetings effectively. The IABE Directorate plays a vital supporting role by assisting the Chair, drafting documents, preparing meeting agendas, and ensuring timely document circulation to all member states. 

Mr. Sajid Mian Mallam Hassam
Principal Programme Officer
Institutional Arrangements and Broadening Engagement (IABE), and Women's Economic Empowerment
Ms Selvana Mootien
Programme Officer
Institutional Arrangements and Broadening Engagement (IABE), and Women's Economic Empowerment