Dr. Asha de Vos appointed to UN Secretary General’s Scientific Advisory Board

Dr. Asha de Vos 

Internationally acclaimed marine biologist, ocean educator and Blue Whale Project pioneer Dr. Asha de Vos has been appointed to the United Nations Secretary General’s Scientific Advisory Board. 

The appointment marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first Sri Lankan to ever join the prestigious board.

The Scientific Advisory Board advises the Secretary-General and UN leaders on breakthroughs in science and technology and helps mitigate potential risks, including ethical and social issues.

Dr. de Vos’s appointment is a testament to her significant contributions to marine biology and ocean conservation. Her pioneering work with the Blue Whale Project has garnered international recognition, highlighting the importance of protecting marine life and ecosystems.

“I am one of just seven external members from across the globe to be appointed to the United Nations Secretary General’s Scientific Advisory Board! As the first Sri Lankan to ever sit on this board, I marvel at how the Secretary General’s team scoured the planet and found me. But I know that my untiring efforts and years working in, on, and around the ocean, my excitement to share it with everyone everywhere, my deep understanding of the issues that it faces and my parallel and no less important work in the space of ocean justice and equity is why I find myself where I am today,” Dr. de Vos shared via a post on Instagram. 

“It’s incredible to think back to my earliest foray into the field, how determined I was to establish it and popularise it in a country that didn’t believe it was necessary or possible, to having found myself on a global stage where I was able to push for what was necessary and to today being considered a thought leader. The journey is far from over but everyday I am grateful that my support squad has grown and that the challenges have made me stronger so I can keep driving change for the ocean and ensure that more people get their rightful space at the table,” she added.