Dubai: The United Arab Emirates has made three proposals to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which are expected to support the reforms undertaken by IMO regarding the development and improvement of the work system.
The UAE, which is a Category (B) member at the IMO Council, introduced these reforms at the meeting. Mr. Mohamed Khamis Al Kaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the IMO, presented the final draft of the reforms at the 34th extraordinary session of the IMO, held from 8th to 12th November 2021. Subject to final approvals by the Assembly at its 32nd session, planned to be organized in December 2021, the amendments are expected to be implemented from 1st January 2022.
‘Through its membership in the IMO Council, the UAE plays an active role in driving the progress of the maritime industry. This is done by developing strategies and policies, setting standards that regulate the maritime sector and promoting maritime legislation and regulations to serve the global shipping and international trade sector, in close cooperation with the IMO Member States. We consider the UAE’s membership in the IMO Council as a responsibility towards the international maritime community. Hence, we always strive to add value to technical and legal discussions, while also submitting proposals to enhance safety and security regulations and protect the marine environment. The amendments proposed by the UAE would support the IMO mission and contribute to developing and improving the work system to keep pace with global changes and modern technological developments.’
Mr. Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure shared about the UAE membership and its proposals.
The IMO Council unanimously approved to a reference to women empowerment in IMO’s strategic direction. Moreover, the body decided to establish the International Day for Women in Maritime, to be observed on 18 May every year.
Sharing his view on the UAE proposal for Women Empowerment Reference at IMO’s strategic direction, Ms. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, stated that, ‘The UAE has been at the forefront of empowering women in all fields, especially the maritime sector. It is one of the founders of the International Maritime Organization Communication Network for Gender Equality (IMOGENder). The UAE also contributed to drafting several IMO resolutions to enhance women’s participation in the maritime sector. This supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the fifth goal that focuses on gender equality. Additionally, the UAE currently holds the presidency of the Arab Women in Maritime Association (AWIMA), in cooperation with the IMO Technical Cooperation Program.’
Establishment of IMO regional offices was one of the proposals made by the UAE at the Technical Cooperation Committee’s 71st session within the IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Program. The proposal was referred for further consideration with a report to be summited in future sessions.
The UAE was initially elected to IMO Council under Category B and was further re-elected in 2019.
The country will seek for a re-election for the third consecutive time at the elections which are expected to take place from 6th to 15th December 2021 in London.
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