The International Ocean Institute mourns the passing of Prof Qin Li, Director of the IOI China Regional Centre for the Western Pacific, one of the Institute's longest-serving Centre Directors and, above all, a dear colleague and friend.
For more than three decades, Qin Li played a defining role in advancing the mission of the IOI in China and throughout the Western Pacific. From the earliest collaborations between the IOI and China in the early 1990s, she believed wholeheartedly in Professor Elisabeth Mann Borgese's vision that international cooperation, capacity development and sound ocean governance could help build a more sustainable future. Those who knew her remember not only her remarkable professionalism and leadership, but also her warmth, kindness and ability to bring joy and lightness to every occasion, whether in Malta, China or elsewhere around the world. Many within the IOI family were fortunate to learn from her over the years, and the gap she leaves in our IOI family will not be easily filled.
As one of the pioneering leaders of the IOI China Centre following its establishment in 1994, Qin Li helped shape its evolution into today's IOI China Regional Centre for the Western Pacific. She was instrumental in developing its flagship ocean governance training programme, fostering generations of ocean professionals across the region, while strengthening international cooperation through initiatives including the Pacem in Maribus conferences. Her unwavering commitment, integrity and generosity earned the admiration and respect of colleagues, trainees and partners throughout the international ocean community.
IOI Governing Board and IOIHQ Secretariat
Tributes from the IOI Family
Awni Behnam, Honorary President, IOI
"Dr Qin Li embraced Elisabeth Mann Borgese's vision of the Ocean as a foundation for international cooperation and devoted more than three decades to advancing that mission through the International Ocean Institute. Her wisdom, dedication and unwavering commitment strengthened the partnership between China and the IOI, leaving a legacy that will endure for generations. We recommit ourselves to supporting IOI China and the vision to which she devoted her life."
In his tribute, Awni concluded with words by Kahlil Gibran that reflect both the sorrow of loss and the hope carried forward through those whose lives have touched our own:
"I cannot say much now about that which fills my heart and soul. I feel like a seeded field in midwinter, and I know that spring is coming. My brooks will run and the little life that sleeps in me will rise to the surface when called."
Read the full tribute issued by the National Marine Data and Information Service (NMDIS), host institution of the IOI China Regional Centre for the Western Pacific, reflecting on Prof Qin Li's more than three decades of dedicated service and enduring legacy.
Iouri Oliounine, Former Executive Director, IOI
"I am saddened by the loss of our good friend. I remember Qin Li for her great contribution to the IOI, for the kindness and attention she showed my wife and me during our visit to China, for her generosity, and for all that she did. My deepest condolences to her family."
Cherdsak Virapat - Former Executive Director, IOI; Former Director, IOI Thailand
"We share a profound history, having first met over two decades ago at the Pacem in Maribus Conference in Cape Town. Since then, I came to know Qin not only as an exceptional professional but as a deeply cherished friend. Beyond her immense professional achievements, she was a wonderful, kind-hearted person whose warmth brought joy to those around her. She will be deeply missed."
Victoria Radchenko, Director, IOI Ocean Academy Ukraine
"I will always remember Dr Qin Li for her warmth and kindness, and the gentle way she welcomed everyone. She was both highly professional and deeply caring, always ready to help. I especially remember the thoughtful gifts she would bring from China, each with its own story. They reflected who she was: someone who noticed the little things, who cared deeply, and who believed that sharing a piece of her world could bring people closer together."
Michael Butler and Madeleine Coffen-Smout, IOI Canada
"IOI Canada wishes to express its sadness at the passing of Qin Li and its gratitude for her valuable support of our training programmes as Director of IOI China, helping many Chinese participants attend our courses over the years. Our association with her dates back nearly 35 years, beginning with our 1992 course held in China in collaboration with the State Oceanic Administration, followed by her participation in our 1993 training programme in Canada. Looking back at her original application, still on file in our offices, we were moved to read her nominator's description of her as 'young, energetic and eager to learn' and 'very interested in this kind of training'. With remarkable foresight, he predicted that the knowledge gained would be invaluable to her future work—and indeed, these courses became her future work, to the great benefit of the International Ocean Institute. We will certainly miss her."
Anita Coady, Former Member, IOI Governing Board
"Upon completing an IOI Training Program in Canada in 1993, Prof Qin Li became an ardent and exceptionally active supporter of the International Ocean Institute. We mourn her passing while remembering her life of commitment."
Jai Acharya, Director, IOI Ocean Academy Singapore
"Dr Qin Li was a strong supporter of the International Ocean Institute and of Professor Elisabeth Mann Borgese's global vision and mission. A towering personality in ocean affairs in China, her immense contribution to the establishment of the IOI China Regional Centre and to ocean governance training in the Western Pacific will remain a lasting landmark."
Alejandro Gutierrez, Former Director, IOI Costa Rica
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, Prof Qin Li. In my mind, she will always remain not only as an outstanding Director of the IOI China Centre, but also as a truly remarkable human being. May she rest in eternal peace."
The International Ocean Institute extends its deepest condolences to Dr Qin Li's family, friends, colleagues at the National Marine Data and Information Service, the IOI China Regional Centre for the Western Pacific, and to all who had the privilege of working alongside her. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of ocean professionals and all those committed to international cooperation for the Ocean.