Technical Cooperation Committee (TC 74) - Opening remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE OPENING OF THE 74TH SESSION OF THE TECHNICAL COOPERATION COMMITEE (TC 74), 24 to 28 June 2024

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 24 June, 2024

Good morning distinguished delegates, 

Welcome to the 74th session of the Technical Cooperation Committee.

Before I proceed, it is with profound sadness that I share the news of the sudden passing of our former esteemed colleague, from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Kees Polderman, former Chair of the Sub-committee on Safety of Navigation (NAV) from 1998 to 2008 (NAV 44 - NAV 54). His expertise and dedication as a maritime professional earned him high regard among his colleagues, IMO peers, and the IMO Secretariat alike. I am sure that I speak for all of us present here when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.

With regard to the situation in the Red Sea, innocent seafarers continue to be victims of attacks in the Red Sea. The global economy depends on international shipping and seafarers, and therefore, they should not be the subject of any type of attacks.

I am truly saddened to learn that one crew member is unaccounted for from the merchant vessel TUTOR, following an attack on the ship in the Red Sea. Following this attack, the ship sank on 18 June 2024, leaving no hope of finding the seafarer.

I would like express my condolences to the family of the seafarer and to the Government of the Philippines.

Other attacks have also occurred recently, and a seafarer from general cargo VERBENA has been injured. My thoughts and those of IMO, are with the families of all affected crew members.

I also reiterate my call for the immediate and unconditional release of the MV Galaxy Leader and its crew. It has been far too long! It has been over 200 days since it was taken hostage. We should not put up with this and we must continue our efforts to ensure the seafarers and the ship are freed.

These attacks are unacceptable. I would like our Committee to pay tribute to the memory of all those key workers and innocent victims who have lost their lives in these attacks in the Red Sea since the beginning of the year.

I would now like to invite the Committee to observe a minute of silence to pay tribute to Mr. Kees Polderman; those seafarers, key workers and innocent victims who have lost their lives.

[One minute silence observed]

With regard to technical cooperation, I have previously stated my vision is for a strengthened IMO technical cooperation programme which is responsive to the needs of our Member States, especially for the developing countries and in particular Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). TCC is at the heart of this.

This new technical cooperation narrative, which we should shape together here in the Committee, must be built on achievements to date, and focus on detailed needs identification, thematic programming, regional implementation, stronger partnerships, good donor relations, and results-based management. Women empowerment must be embedded in all our technical cooperation activities and interventions. 

To support this vision, I have already taken steps to restructure the Secretariat, creating the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division (TCID), which brings together the former Technical Cooperation Division, the Department of Member State Audit and Implementation Support, and the Department of Partnerships and Projects. By uniting these branches, I have created a structure that supports more coherence between our technical cooperation planning and programming, the implementation of the ITCP and long-term projects, utilising, as much as possible, the findings of audit results, and facilitated by effective resource mobilization.

The audit results can better identify the needs of the Member States, to enhance the planning and delivery of technical cooperation activities.

As requested by your Committee, the expansion of the Regional Presence scheme continues, with a new office to be opened in Alexandria, Egypt, and with the signing of an MOU in March this year with Fiji on the establishment of an IMO Regional Presence Office (RPO) for the Pacific Islands region in Suva, Fiji. Progress is continuing on both of these initiatives.

I am delighted to introduce the new Director of TCID, Mr. Jose Matheickal, who is also your new Secretary for TCC who is very committed to this role and to my new vision. Under his leadership, and with your continued support, I am confident that we are poised to achieve great strides in our technical cooperation initiatives.

From your agenda this week, I would like to highlight in particular the draft comprehensive strategy, with a working group expected to further discuss this. This work directly contributes to the vision to improve and enhance the delivery and results of our technical cooperation activities and projects. 

I wish to highlight that tomorrow we will be celebrating the International Day of the Seafarer. I invite you all to mark the day and share photos online - all details are on the IMO website. Furthermore, a special film screening will be held here at IMO tomorrow evening at the conclusion of the plenary session, related to the crucial role played by seafarers in global trade. 

I am confident that your Committee will progress significantly under the leadership of your Chair, His Excellency Mr. Dwight C.R. Gardiner of Antigua and Barbuda, ably supported by the Vice-Chair, Ms. Anays Berrocal of Panama, as well as the staff of Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division together with the staff of supporting divisions, you will be able to successfully achieve the objectives set for this session.

I extend best wishes to all of you for every success in your deliberations; and I invite you all to join me and the Secretariat at my welcome reception after the close of today's business.

Thank you.

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