Speaking at a press conference at IMO Headquarters
in London, Mr. Dominguez outlined four strategic priorities: IMO’s work to regulate
international shipping; its support to Member States – particularly Small
Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries; enhancing public
awareness and image; and relations with people and stakeholders.
He said: “As a global industry that
is responsible for transporting over 80% of trade around the world, shipping is
indispensable. One thing I am very focused on is to make this Organization a
more diverse, inclusive and transparent institution.”
The Secretary-General touched on
various challenges and opportunities for the maritime sector.
Highlighting the ongoing attacks on
international shipping in the Red Sea, he
condemned the attacks and underscored the paramount importance of protecting
seafarers’ lives. He continued to call for the de-escalation of tensions
and the freedom of navigation of ships in the area. He urged the immediate
release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew.
Trade volume going through the Suez
Canal has fallen by 42% over the last two months, according to estimates by the
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The Secretary-General underscored the
resilience of shipping in the face of global challenges and confirmed that IMO
is actively dialoguing with countries, industry partners and the international
community to find solutions.
The Secretary-General provided an
update on IMO work towards decarbonizing shipping by or around 2050. This makes
it the first UN agency and first sector to define a global strategy to cut
greenhouse gas emissions, including mandatory measures to deliver on
targets.
A timeline has been set, following
IMO processes:
·
March 2024 – Advance discussions of ‘mid-term
measures’ to support emissions reduction in the medium term. These measures
include a global marine fuel standard and pricing mechanism. An interim report
of the impact assessment that these measures will have on countries will be
considered by the Marine
Environment Protection Committee at its 81st session (MEPC
81).
·
October 2024 – Finalization of impact
assessment (MEPC 82)
·
Spring 2025 – Approval of measures (MEPC
83)
·
Autumn 2025 – Adoption of measures (six
months after MEPC 83)
·
Since taking office on 1 January 2024, the
Secretary-General has appointed a gender-balanced senior management team,
enhanced multilingualism in IMO processes, and set a policy of participating
only in public events or panels with gender representation