The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission was established by resolution 2.31 adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO at its eleventh session (Nov.-Dec. 1960), and in conformity with the recommendation of the Intergovernmental Conference on Oceanic Research (Copenhagen 11-16 July 1960). Drafted in 1960, the Statutes of the Commission were revised in 1970 and 1987. 

In 1999, new proposed amendments to these Statutes were adopted by the IOC Assembly at its twentieth session and were approved unanimously by the General Conference of UNESCO at its Thirtieth session. The present Statutes of the Commission was proposed to the General Conference as document 30 C/58 and 30 C/58 Corr in English, French and Arabic. The current Statutes came into force through adoption of 30 C/Resolution 22 on 16 November 1999. 

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