IMO-IMLI was founded in 1988 in Malta, and
began its first programme in 1989. Its aim is to strengthen the capacity
and expertise of Member States in all aspects of international maritime law.
During a special anniversary event in the margins of
the 111st session of the Legal Committee held this week in London, United
Kingdom, IMO
Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez stated: “Over the
past three decades, IMLI has played a key
role in providing unparalleled legal training to more than 1,700 maritime professionals
from 160 States and Territories. These people, from very diverse
backgrounds, have become invaluable assets to their countries and to the global
maritime community.”
IMO-IMLI Director Prof. Norman A.
Martinez Gutierrez said: “IMO-IMLI
alumni have gone on to become Heads of State, ministers, diplomats, chief
justices, attorney generals, legal advisers and university professors in
various parts of the world. While the programme originally targeted government
officials from developing countries, graduates have also attained success in
the private sector and international organizations, including IMO.
Following interventions from by the Permanent
Secretary of the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta
Mr. Christopher Cutajar, and Chair of the Nippon Foundation Dr. Yohei Sasakawa,
a panel of international maritime professionals discussed IMLI’s legacy and
future trajectory.
Panelists included the Alternate Permanent
Representative of Nigeria to IMO Mr. Abdul Dirisu and Technical Adviser to
the Philippines Coast Guard Cdr. Mary Leizl Barbero (both IMO-IMLI alumni), as
well as Senior Lecturer, Ms. Elda Kazara-Belja. The discussion was moderated by
IMO Director of Legal and External Relations Division, Ms. Dorota
Lost-Sieminska, who also studied at IMO-IMLI.
The
Institute’s policy to reserve 50% of places for female candidates has helped to
promote women’s empowerment in a male-dominated industry.
Finally, the panel thanked the wide
range of Governments, companies, foundations, and international
development assistance organizations that support IMO-IMLI through voluntary
contributions.