The IORA High-Level Panel (HLP) on Enhancing Maritime Cooperation for Inclusive Growth in the Indian Ocean was convened on 7-8 December 2018 in Bali, Indonesia. Organized by the Government of Indonesia, this panel provided a strategic forum to evaluate and advance maritime cooperation within the association.

The HLP brought together senior government officials, leading experts, and stakeholders from IORA Member States. Its primary aim was to discuss the current state of maritime cooperation, gather inputs from diverse perspectives, and identify new breakthroughs to achieve the short- and medium-term targets of the IORA Action Plan (2017-2021). Discussions focused on how enhanced maritime safety, security, and connectivity could serve as engines for sustainable and inclusive economic growth for all littoral states.

The key takeaway was a comprehensive Panel Report that captured the high-level insights and recommendations. The event successfully fostered a forward-looking dialogue on aligning maritime security objectives with broader developmental goals. It reinforced the concept that security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean are indivisible, thereby strengthening the policy foundation for IORA's integrated approach to maritime affairs and regional cooperation.