Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 15) - opening speech

Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 15), 26-30 June 2023

Opening remarks by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim

Mr. Chair, excellencies, distinguished delegates and observers,

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the fifteenth session of the GHG intersessional working group. I am sure that you all wish to start working together as soon as possible, so I will be brief.

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 IMO's climate change agenda.

Since then, you have made further progress at ISWG-GHG 14 in March, displaying the cooperation and dialogue that is the trademark of IMO, and which will be more important than ever in delivering what is expected of us to address climate change by the end of this two-week meeting next week. From the submissions to this session, there are two main themes: the finalization of the draft 2023 IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships, and the further assessment and selection of measures, both technical and economic elements.

Distinguished delegates,

You have already reiterated your commitment to finalize the revision of the initial strategy at MEPC 80. It is now time to work together on increasing the level of ambition for 2050 and establish the intermediate check points by 2030 and 2040 that will pave the way to meet the revised vision whilst duly considering the impact and needs of developing States.

I have met many of you since the last intersessional meeting and I have listened carefully to your views and proposals on how best to proceed with the finalization of the draft 2023 IMO Strategy. During these conversations, I have been impressed by the strong support you have shown for the process and the willingness you have expressed to adopt the Revised Strategy at MEPC 80 next week. Importantly, you have all indicated the need for flexibility and compromises if we are to succeed.

Do not wait for the last minute at MEPC to make the compromises and find the solutions, a positive outcome from this group is key to a success next week, and for the future work of this Organization. 

2023 is IMO's year of decisive climate action.

I urge you all to continue with your constructive negotiations, and to be ambitious and bold.

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

Your task will not be easy at times; the stakes are high and the expectations even higher. I am confident that, with IMO's renowned spirit of cooperation and under the able leadership of your Chair, Mr. Sveinung Oftedal of Norway, you will rise to the challenge.

Together we will make MEPC 80 next week another historic moment for IMO, showcasing to the world a determined maritime decarbonization strategy which will ensure a truly global level-playing-field for international shipping.

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

Thank you!