Council, 130th session (C 130), 21-24 November 2023

130th session of the Council

Opening remarks by Kitack Lim, Secretary-General, IMO

Thank you, Mr. Chair,

Esteemed Ministers, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, good morning, good afternoon, and good evening.

It is truly an honour to welcome each and every one of you to the 130th session of the Council.

First, I would like to voice my grave concerns regarding the reports of the seizure of the car-carrier Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea. While the circumstances around the incident remain unclear, I would like to emphasise that unhindered and safe global navigation is a prerequisite for maintaining the world's supply chains thus it is essential to ensure the protection of seafarers, vessels and cargo at all times.

Any action which might adversely affect shipping engaged in international trade must be avoided.

On behalf of the entire membership of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Secretariat, with the Government of Türkiye, the families of the crew, and the maritime community affected by the tragic sinking of the MV Kafkametler which resulted in the loss of life of a crew member, with several still missing.

Our thoughts are also with the search and rescue teams tirelessly working to locate the missing crew members.

Distinguished delegates,

2023 has been remarkable for the strides we made in advancing our common goals. We have reached significant milestones and set the stage in many respects including a new chapter in maritime decarbonization.

The adoption of the 2023 Strategy on the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Shipping was a historic development signalling a boost for our efforts in combatting climate change within the maritime industry.

This achievement would not have been possible without the high level of cooperation, collaboration, and trust shown by our Member States and industry representatives.

Distinguished delegates,

The agenda before us this week carries immense significance as it represents the final preparations and decisions of IMO just ahead of the 33rd session of the Assembly next week.

I will highlight a few of the most important agenda items:

As regards the consideration of the budget proposal for 2024 and 2025, we are acutely aware of the challenges posed by inflation and have made every effort to keep the budget at the lowest practical amount in recognition of the budgetary constraints faced by all while enabling the Secretariat to deliver its expanding work program.

Furthermore, finalizing the Strategic Plan for the period 2024 to 2029 will be pivotal in charting our Organization's course for the upcoming years.

I want to also emphasize our ongoing efforts to enhance multilingualism and commend the engagement of Member States in in this initiative. Rest assured, multilingualism remains a top priority for the Secretariat, and I extend my gratitude to those Member States that have already started to engage with the Secretariat on this matter.

We will also be providing updates with regard to the access control to the IMO building including immediate preventive and remedial measures such as new guidance for delegates and visitors, detailed in Circular Letter 4797 The Secretariat is also considering further long-term enhancements and will keep Member States updated on further developments.

Distinguished delegates,

I am truly delighted to see you here today, and extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all Member States, IGOs, and NGOs for their unwavering support.

As always, the Secretariat is steadfast in its commitment to support Member States in our important work on issues that will define both the Organization and the shipping industry's future.

I have full confidence that your discussions will be open and informative and will yield agreements on the agenda items under your consideration, paving the way for the upcoming 33rd session of the Assembly.

Under the adept leadership of your Chair, Mr. Victor Jimenez Fernandez of Spain, and Vice-Chair, Mrs. Amane Fethallah of Morocco, I am certain that you will achieve remarkable success in your deliberations.

I look forward to meeting you at this evening's reception following today's meeting.

Once again, my deepest gratitude for your continued confidence, support, and cooperation.

I wish you all a highly productive and successful meeting.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.