New IMO Secretary-General Sets Out His Agenda
Kitack Lim of South Korea has issued a message outlining his priorities as incoming Secretary -General of the IMO a post he assumed on January 1 following endorsement of his mid-2015 election by member states at the IMO Assembly in November.
His agenda includes promoting the implementation of conventions, building capacity in developing countries with a focus on small islands and enhancing IMO's global status.
After paying tribute to his predecessor Koji Sekimizu and fellow IMO senior officials, Lim noted that IMO “currently faces an array of issues” in order for shipping to continue to meet the needs of the world “in a safe, secure and sustainable way.”
"My vision is one of strengthened partnerships – between developing and developed countries, between governments and industry, between IMO Member States and regions. I will also endeavour to strengthen communication between the maritime industry and the general public, I see IMO acting as a bridge between all these stakeholders in what I have referred to as “a voyage together”, he said in his message.
He said: “IMO currently faces an array of issues. With the collective wisdom and insight of its member states and other stakeholders, I am confident we can meet these challenges and continue to forge a future where shipping meets the needs of the world in a safe, secure and sustainable way, building on the substantial efforts and achievements of the IMO to date.”
Lim is keen to engage member states in strengthening partnerships – between developing and developed countries, between governments and industry, between IMO member states and regions.
He also wants to increase the profile of the maritime industry among the general public. “I see IMO acting as a bridge between all these stakeholders in what I have referred to as ‘a voyage together’,” he said.