IORAG Early Career Professionals Network
“Empowering Early Career Professionals: Innovating for a Resilient and Inclusive Indian Ocean”
About the Network
The IORAG Early-Career Professionals Network (ECPN) connects young professionals across IORA member states to drive innovation, collaboration and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region.
Launched in 2024, with an inaugural Steering Committee comprised of professionals from Australia, Mauritius, and South Africa, the ECPN is a vibrant community committed to advancing knowledge, cooperation and meaningful impact across all IORA priority areas.
Why Join the ECPN?
International Network
Connect with early-career professionals from across IORA member states.
Collaborate
Work on research, projects and initiatives that address shared regional challenges.
Grow Professionally
Access webinars, training, mentorship and leadership opportunities.
Drive Impact
Contribute your ideas and energy to a sustainable and resilient Indian Ocean Region.
Upcoming Events
2ND WEBINAR – SAVE THE DATE
Theme: Maritime Security and Safety
Date: 20 May 2026 @ 2:00 PM MAU (GMT+4) / 12:00 PM SAST
Call for ECP Presenters: Submit a one-page outline of your proposed presentation by 26 April.
Up to two ECP speaking slots are available. The Steering Committee will review all submissions.
Submit your outline to: ecpn@iora.int
Latest Updates
ECP of the Month
[Month, 2026]
Name: Full Name
Country / Institution: Country, Institution Name
Latest Opinion Piece
Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Indian Ocean Region: Why Grassroots Action Must Drive Regional Commitments
– Dr Bhavna Mahadew
Meet the Steering Committee
The inaugural ECPN Steering Committee comprises professionals from Australia, Mauritius, and South Africa, each contributing expertise across ocean governance, education, law, and sustainability.The inaugural ECPN Steering Committee comprises professionals from Australia, Mauritius, and South Africa, each contributing expertise across ocean governance, education, law, and sustainability.
Committee Chairperson
(Mauritius)
Mrs. Padmini Gaya Gookool
Lecturer & Programme Manager at the Open University of Mauritius.
Padmini is a PhD researcher in sustainability in education with strong academic leadership.
Secretariat
(Australia)
Dr Bianca Haas
Research Fellow at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources
and Security (ANCORS). She works on equity issues in tuna fisheries
across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Internal Stakeholders
(Mauritius)
Dr Bhavna Mahadew
Law Lecturer at the University of Technology, Mauritius. Expert in
international economic law, corporate law, and legal research.
External Stakeholders
(South Africa)
Ms Yanga Malotana
PhD Candidate at the University of Pretoria. Programme Manager at ESI,
University of Pretoria. Specialities include climate change, energy security, and sustainability.
Become Part of the Network
Register your interest and join our growing database of early-career professionals from across IORA member states. Gain access to networking opportunities, webinars, research collaborations, and more.
Connect with us:
For enquiries about membership, collaboration, presenting at a webinar, or general engagement with the IORAG ECPN:
Email: ecpn@iora.int