Global Conference of the IMO Women in Maritime Associations

Global Conference of the IMO Women in Maritime Associations

"Mobilizing networks for gender equality"

Opening of the event - Mr. Kitack Lim, Secretary-General, IMO

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to open this conference to mark the second International Day for Women in Maritime. Last year, we marked the occasion with a virtual symposium.

This year, I am very happy to see many of you here in person – and I give a warm welcome to those attending virtually.

As we gather here, united by a common purpose, we celebrate the incredible achievements of women in the maritime sector while recognizing the challenges that still lie ahead.

Maritime transport and ocean-related industries are critical for international trade and play a key role in ensuring sustainable development for all.

They also offer abundant career opportunities in the areas of science, policy, and the blue economy.

Yet women continue to be under-represented in all these fields. This needs to change.

We must continue to push our collective endeavours to ensure gender equality and women's empowerment in the maritime sector, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5.

IMO recognizes that gender equality is not merely a desirable outcome; it is an essential prerequisite for a thriving and resilient maritime industry. We firmly believe that diversity and inclusivity are key drivers of innovation, creativity, and sustainable growth.

IMO continues to make a significant contribution to the participation of women in the Maritime industry through our effective and impactful Women in Maritime Programme, which, at its inception, was at the forefront of gender work within the United Nations System.

As shipping voyages through a transformation, tackling climate change through decarbonization and undergoing digitalization and automation at a rapid rate – we need the best talent.

And that means embracing diversity and ensuring that any barriers to participation are broken down. By investing in the future of women in maritime we unlock a wealth of talent that will drive our industry forward.

In maritime and across all sectors, working environments must be inclusive, enabling, and supportive of diverse participation by all, without hindrance.

IMO, as the international regulatory body for shipping maintains a firm commitment to this objective.

This year's Conference has a broad theme of "Mobilizing networks for gender equality".

This theme was chosen to celebrate the work that has been done, but also establish new partnerships and leverage existing networks across the globe in support of efforts towards gender equality.

You will hear more about the various IMO-established and supported networks today.

Networks are crucial to the push towards greater diversity and inclusion.

Mentorship programmes and network associations serve to actively empower women with the requisite skills and confidence to shine in a more inclusive maritime sector. They are a powerful tool for nurturing talent and fostering career advancement.

Alongside these networks, it is important to maintain a barrier-free working environment, to create truly sustainable systems of gender equality.

All stakeholders in public and private sectors need to support women to leap over barriers facing them by means of systems, practices and/ or culture.

It is incumbent on all who are already leaders in maritime to cultivate the requisite corporate culture, and attitudes in the workplace and to provide the necessary skills and training to support these efforts.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The maritime industry has to be inclusive - not just for women, but for everyone.

I look forward to hearing insightful discussions over the next two days, and to seeing you all at this evening's reception.

Thank you.

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