The First Session of the IOC Group of Experts on Capacity Development was held in Paris between 21-23 March 2018. The meeting was attended by 41 participants including members of the Group of Experts, partner projects and organizations, and members of the IOC Secretariat. The meeting updated the needs assessments and gapa analyses that had been submitted, in draft form, to the 2017 Session of the IOC Assembly. In addition the meeting split into 3 regional sub-groups (IOCAFRICA, IOCARIBE, WESTPAC) and one special group on the planned Clearing House Mechanis (CHM) for the Transfer of Marine Technology (TMT). The 3 regional sub-groups discussed priority needs, ways how the global programmes can assist the regions, as well as common use of existing IOC methods and tools that can contribute to CD. The Group established 2 task teams that will focus on TMT/CHM and CD needs of SIDS, LDCs and IOC member states that are not members of the 4 IOC regional bodies. The report of the meeting is available HERE