Transport and maritime Ministers and senior officials from six countries took part in a roundtable discussion with IMO Secretary‑General Lim, during the World Maritime Day Parallel Event (WMDPE), which is being held in Durban, South Africa (12 to 14 October 2022). (Photos here.) 

The high-level discussions focused on two main topics; the impact on shipping and seafarers during the COVID-19 pandemic and how communication and digitization can improve information sharing in the future, and the effective implementation of IMO instruments to ensure no country is left behind.   

Taking part were: IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim; H.E. Mr. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Minister for Transport, Ghana; Dr. Majid Ali Nazi, Member of the Board and Deputy Director of Maritime Affairs, Ports and Maritime Organization, Islamic Republic of Iran; Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Nigeria; Mr. Yap Ong Heng, Senior Adviser, Ministry of Transport, Singapore; Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga, Deputy Minister of Transport, South Africa; Captain Saif Al Mheiri, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi Maritime, United Arab Emirates.