Benin: Dr. Urbain Brito Elected President of the International Whaling Commission for the 2026–2028 Term
Benin is strengthening its presence on the international stage in the field of whale conservation. Dr. Urbain Brito, Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture, has been elected President of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) for the 2026–2028 term, following the organisation’s 70th biennial meeting, held from 27 September to 2 October 2026 in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Officially announced on 2 October 2026, the election reflects the confidence placed by delegates from member states in this Beninese official, who is tasked with leading the Commission’s work over the next two years. For the same period, Anne-Marie Svoboda, the Netherlands’ representative, was appointed Vice-Chair.
Following his election, Urbain Brito expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Adin Bloukounon, whom he commended for his role in this diplomatic success for Benin, which also recognises the expertise of the country’s officials.
Beyond the election of its new president, the IWC’s 70th biennial meeting was also marked by the adoption, by consensus, of the Hobart Declaration. The declaration commemorates the 80th anniversary of the signing, in 1946, of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling.
Established in 1946, the International Whaling Commission is the global body responsible for the management of whaling and the conservation of whales. It currently has 89 member governments worldwide.
