The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us, with
unprecedented impacts on our lives, our economies and our societies. At IMO we
have observed and attempted to address the impacts on the shipping industry and
especially seafarers. In these challenging times, the ability of shipping
services and seafarers to deliver essential goods, including medical supplies,
food and fuel is central to responding to, and overcoming this crisis.
The pandemic has shown that shipping, the most reliable,
efficient and cost-effective method of international transportation that
carries more than 80% of global trade, remains the leading facilitator of the
global economy. Therefore, shipping and maritime will be at the heart of the
economic recovery and future sustainable growth far into the future, both at
sea and ashore, supporting an inclusive and resilient economy to underpin the
achievement of the sustainable development goals.
“Sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet”, our theme
for 2020 couldn’t be more relevant now and for years to come.
In the post-COVID world, much focus will be directed at the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development
Goals adopted by all UN Member States in 2015.
These goals are as relevant as ever, and shipping is
essential for sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda will only be realized
with a sustainable transport sector supporting world trade and facilitating the
global economy.
But shipping also needs to secure its own sustainability.
Shipping activities must be balanced with Safety of Life at Sea and the
long-term health and diversity of the oceans.
A major part of IMO's role is to ensure that shipping
continues to make its contribution to the global economy without upsetting
nature’s delicate balance.
Supported by IMO’s regulatory framework, shipping is engaged
on a journey of transformation towards this sustainable future.
IMO’s actions are:
• enhance maritime safety and digital shipping;
• ensure and enhance the professionalism, competence and
workplace environment of the world’s seafarers;
• decarbonization of international shipping and reduction of
sulphur in ships’ fuel oil;
• protect the polar regions and reduce marine litter;
• facilitation of maritime traffic in collaboration with
port industry;
• technical cooperation and capacity building of developing
countries;
• enhance gender equality in the maritime community and;
• maintain a robust response system to meet threats to
safety and security at sea, and protect the marine environment
All form the foundation for shipping’s part in securing a
sustainable future for all of us. We must now look to see what more should be
done to achieve these goals.
At the start of 2020, alongside our UN sister entities, we
marked the beginning of a decade of action and delivery for the SDGs. In
choosing “Sustainable Shipping for a Sustainable Planet” as this year’s World
Maritime Theme, we focus global attention on how IMO, the Organization’s Member
States, civil society and the shipping industry are working together to ensure
that shipping continues and strengthens its contribution towards sustainable
growth.
As the global pandemic has turned all our lives upside down,
I have been encouraged by the unprecedented level of cooperation and
collaboration in the maritime world. I have spoken many times of our
"voyage together", encompassing Member States, NGOS and multiple
maritime stakeholders. Though this year, the spirit of those words has been
more important than ever. We need to capitalize on this willingness to work
together as we move forward, supporting shipping, seafarers and the maritime
sector to fulfil their responsibilities.