Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 14) (opening remarks)

Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 14) (opening remarks)

OPENING REMARKS BY KITACK LIM, SECRETARY-GENERAL, IMO

Mr. Chair, excellencies, distinguished delegates and observers,

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the fourteenth session of the GHG intersessional working group. As usual, you have a demanding week ahead of you, but you always rise to the occasion, and I am convinced that this week will be no exception.

Last December, at the end of a demanding MEPC 79, I expressed my sincere gratitude to all of you, for the hard work leading to the successful outcome of two consecutive weeks of discussions on the climate change agenda.

2023 is IMO's year of decisive climate action. The time to act is now.

The cooperation and dialogue that is the trademark of IMO, will be more important than ever in delivering what is expected of us to address climate change at MEPC 80.

From the submissions to this session, there are two main themes: the further consideration and finalization of the draft 2023 IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships, and the further assessment and selection of measures, including an economic measure.

The revised strategy, together with the basket of technical and economic measures will set the way towards the decarbonization of global shipping and will provide the mechanisms and support to ensure that no one is left behind in this transition.

Distinguished delegates,

You have already reiterated your commitment to finalize the revision of the initial strategy at MEPC 80, and increase the levels of ambition, while considering the needs of developing States.

I urge you all to continue with your constructive negotiations, be ambitious and bold in the upgrade of the vision and levels of ambition towards 2050.

I continue to offer you my full support and that of the entire Secretariat.

This is a good moment to remember and recognized the incredible progress we have made since 2011 when we adopted the EEDI to address climate change. This demonstrates that know-how to collaborate with each other, and that we are capable of great achievements.

Together we will make MEPC 80 in July another historic moment for IMO, showcasing to the world a determined maritime decarbonization strategy.

I thank you for your continued support and commitment and I wish you a successful week.

Thank you!