Conference on "Work at Sea", jointly organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO)
JOINT IMO/ILO CONFERENCE ON WORK AT SEA
Conference on "Work at Sea", jointly organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO)
13 November 2023
Opening remarks by Kitack Lim, Secretary-General IMO
His Excellency Mr. Binali Yıldırım, Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good morning and welcome to the IMO.
Before we commence our Conference jointly organized by the IMO and ILO, I would kindly ask you to join me in a United Nation initiative to observe a minute of silence to mourn all the UN colleagues that have lost their lives in Gaza.
[minute of silence]
Thank you.
Ladies, and gentlemen,
I am very pleased to welcome you to this pioneering Conference on "Work at Sea", jointly organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
As I am sure we are all aware, the maritime industry is fundamental for global trade, being responsible for the transportation of the vast majority of goods and resources world-wide.
However, maritime transport must also continue to contribute to sustainable development in a way that meets modern societies' expectations in every respect, including social responsibility.
The professionals who work at sea, the seafarers, fishers and other maritime personnel, are the lifeblood of shipping and their wellbeing is paramount. I have often referred to seafarers as the unsung heroes of the global economy.
They are the ones who ensure that goods and food are shipped and delivered safely and effectively around the globe. They are on the frontline, a responsibility that has been particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Without them, shipping simply stops. And without shipping there is no supply chain.
My thoughts also go out to all the seafarers who lost their lives.
Although much has changed over the years, seafarers' work is often physically and mentally demanding, so shore leave, access to medical care and well-being support are essential.
If we do not ensure seafarers' rights and well-being, we will not be able to retain the existing seafarers in the profession and will certainly not be in a position to attract any new ones, which would have huge and long-lasting consequences.
The work of IMO revolves around human life to a significant degree, and we have undertaken countless initiatives to enhance the wellbeing, safety and working conditions of maritime professionals, often in cooperation with our UN sister Organization, ILO.
Good evidence of these efforts are international treaties such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, SOLAS, and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, STCW, which include, among many others, provisions to prevent bullying and harassment, as well as guidelines on fatigue, minimum safe manning and fair treatment of seafarers.
To ensure the human element is fully integrated in our work and given the importance it deserves, the IMO Assembly has updated IMO's Strategic Plan so that it now includes the Human Element as a key Strategic Direction, providing a framework for enhanced engagement over this important resource.
IMO's dedication to the maritime workforce is also reflected in the establishment of the Day of the Seafarer, which is commemorated on 25th June each year, to pay tribute to seafarers' contribution to global trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The shipping industry is currently undergoing a profound transformation as it grapples with the imperative of combating climate change while embracing the latest technologies in the strive towards digitalization and automation.
Seafarers and maritime personnel will play a pivotal role in ensuring that this transformation with be successful.
The discussion has therefore rightly moved to include a strong focus on future maritime workers who will remain at the sharp end of shipping.
Seafarers' voices and actions are key to ensuring a just transition to a zero-carbon and digital future so we must ensure that maritime personnel, and in particular our seafarers, are kept front and centre of the transition.
Education and training will play a fundamental role in a just transition for hundreds of thousands of professionals that will experience significant changes in their daily routines on board ships, and IMO is taking proactive action to properly equip this labour force for the challenges to come.
This transition can also enable the sector to reconnect with younger generations and attract more women to join the sector, in all regions of the world, many of whose careers will feature the renewable energy generation and energy efficiency technology that will be vital for shipping's future.
We must rise to the challenge and create a workforce that will operate the green ships of the future safely and securely. Together, let us construct a maritime sector that is stronger, safer, and more resilient, capable of thriving in the face of change.
Today's Conference fills me with excitement as it presents a unique opportunity for our two UN specialized agencies, IMO and ILO, to demonstrate our shared commitment to safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of those who devote their lives to the sea, improving their working conditions, and promoting responsible management.
I wish to thank the keynote speakers, and panelists in advance, for your dedication and conviction to sharing strategies and actions to ensure that a competent and efficient workforce at sea is ready to face the fundamental changes to come.
I am confident that, together, we can chart a course for a more prosperous, secure, and just maritime future.
Thank you.
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