Signing of partnership agreement with the Commonwealth Secretariat

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has signed a partnership agreement with the Commonwealth Secretariat, under which both organisations commit to strengthening the maritime and port sectors in selected developing countries through activities which will promote and facilitate the adoption of sustainable maritime transport systems and practices. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Thursday (29 September) by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim and Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC.

Remarks by IMO Secretary-General, Kitack Lim

29 September 2022

The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland, excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

I like to welcome you to the signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding between IMO and the Commonwealth Secretariat with respect to cooperation in the maritime sector in Commonwealth countries.

Allow me first to thank the Baroness Scotland and the Commonwealth Secretariat for the cooperation with IMO.

This Memorandum will utilize IMO's experience as the UN Specialized Agency responsible for setting global standards for the safety, security and facilitation of international shipping and the prevention of pollution by ships, in collaboration, with the Commonwealth Secretariat's guidance on policy making, technical assistance and advisory services to support Commonwealth countries to achieve sustainable, inclusive and equitable development, including through the Commonwealth Blue Charter, adopted by Commonwealth Heads of Government in London 2018.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Shipping is indispensable to global trade and sustainable development.

Most Commonwealth countries are IMO Member States. IMO is committed to supporting Member States, through targeted projects, technical cooperation, and partnership building, in the implementation of international maritime conventions and instruments.

With a vision towards a 'Voyage Together', in March 2020, I established the Department of Partnerships and Projects (DPP), which serves as the gateway of IMO for developing partnership opportunities with a wide range of external partners, including IMO Member States, UN agencies, financial institutions, NGOs, IGOs and the private sector.

The knowledge partnership  brings together IMO's maritime expertise, knowledge and global network, and its partners' experience, investment and financial expertise, in-kind support and other resources to support Member States.

IMO is pleased to welcome onboard the Commonwealth Secretariat as our new knowledge partner to boost sustainable maritime transport.

The maritime sector binds us all together and this agreement will help us target countries with additional support to ensure that shipping is greener and more resilient, supporting employment and driving forward the blue economy across nations.

Thank you.