IMO puts the record strait

Oct 27 2017


Answering recent reports questioning the transparency and inclusive approach by those addressing the threat of climate change at the IMO, secretary general Kitack Lim explained that te organisation’s efforts to reduce harmful air emissions from ships spans decades.

He said that work was continuing this week with the second meeting of the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships with 57 IMO member states and 21 NGOs participating in the meeting. 

As is the case in other UN agencies of a technical nature, the make-up of national delegations to IMO is entirely a matter for the countries themselves and those countries who wish to include industry technical experts or others, may do so. Neither the IMO Convention, nor any of the rules of procedure for individual meetings limits, in any way, members' ability to structure their delegations, as they consider most appropriate in order to carefully consider the issues before them, he stressed.  

In addition he said that the IMO currently has consultative arrangements with 77 NGOs, including environmental groups, seafarer organisations, and others representing class societies, shipbuilders and shipowners. The range of NGOs represented at IMO rightfully covers the broad spectrum of shipping, maritime and social interests.

These NGO's are selected by the members based on their ability to substantially contribute to the work of the IMO by providing information, expert advice and representation of large groups whose activities have a direct bearing on its work.

Participation of organisations representing so many different viewpoints provides a balance that adds considerably to the credibility of the organisation's overall output. This inclusiveness is one of IMO's great strengths, he concluded



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