The final day of IWC69 began with adoption of the meeting's multiple and wide-ranging main outcomes, and confirmation that the full, Chair's Report will be available in one month.

In response to an intervention from the Commissioner for Benin and incoming Vice-Chair, the Commission endorsed a clear, consensus commitment to support the decision-making processes of the Commission, the right of delegates to cast their vote on behalf their country, and respect for the outcome of that vote. 

The outgoing Chair, Amadou Telivel Diallo of Guinea was thanked and the significance of his term noted as the first francophone and west African Chair.  Travel difficulties prevented Mr Diallo attending this meeting but did not detract from his contribution throughout the two-year intersessional period. The Commission also warmly welcomed the new Vice-Chair, Dr Urbain Brito, of Benin and the second French-speaking, west African Vice-Chair of the Commission.

John Hopson Jr of the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission reflected on the significance of the consensus renewal of aboriginal subsistence whaling quotas. This first test of the new process endorsed in 2018 was a resounding success and confirmed the Commission's strong and unambiguous support for indigenous rights and indigenous communities.

Dr Nick Gales, the incoming Chair who stepped up at the last minute to lead the meeting, was thanked for his fair and efficient chairing. Dr Gales thanked the host Government of Peru, those involved in organising the meeting, and all the participants for the clarity and respect with which discussions had been conducted. 

Dr Gales also offered some reflections on the meeting's and its outcomes which show that the IWC is functioning, effective and resilient. He highlighted the renewal of aboriginal whaling quotas as a highly significant action and start of a re-establishment of trust between hunting communities and the Commission. He also highlighted the discussions around several proposals which demonstrated that, even on divisive matters, exchanges were respectful and constructive, and the results accepted with grace.  The importance of time and perseverance in helping to find common ground on difficult issues was also highlighted.

Recognising the work and processes in place to improve two-way communication between the Scientific Committee and the Commission, particularly important in times of budgetary pressure, Dr Gales applauded the achievements of both the Scientific and Conservation Committees. The importance of participation and engagement was also highlighted with the observation that the greater the number of parties, the better the decision-making. 

As the intensive and successful 5-day meeting drew to an end, Dr Gales concluded with the observation that, at almost 80 years of age, the IWC has never been more relevant.

IWC Chair. Nick Gales of Australia with Martha Rojas-Urrego, IWC Executive Secretary