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Demonstrating the growing status of the country The UAE has been re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in the Category B membership for the third time in a row. The results of the election were announced during the 32nd session of the IMO Assembly in London, which concludes on 15th December 2021.
On being re-elected, the UAE received international praise for its pivotal role in developing strategies, policies and agreements that are improving maritime safety standards, protecting the marine environment and enhancing the efficiency of the global industry.
Expressing his delight at the result, His Excellency Suhail Al Mazrouei, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said, “The UAE has reaffirmed its leading status as a vital maritime centre in the world with this achievement. Our re-election to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the third consecutive time has further strengthened our active role in developing the sector and enhancing maritime safety standards, as well as protecting the marine environment globally. Through our efforts, we have been ranked as one of the most influential countries in developing the maritime industry. The re-election has further encouraged us to continue our work with member states to advance the global maritime sector by achieving the safety, security, and efficiency of maritime transport.”
Over the past few years, the UAE has been contributing to many key maritime sector initiatives. It was one of the first IMO Member States to designate seafarers as key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic and supported them by facilitating crew change, administering vaccinations and providing them access to medical care. The country has, furthermore, established the UAE unified national single window framework and has a National Committee which integrates maritime, aviation, land and rail transport sectors, enhancing trade through a single digital gateway.
It has also been championing women’s rights in the maritime sector. In this regard, the country is currently chairing the Arab Women in the Maritime Association (AWIMA) and is also one of the founding members of the IMOGENder, a network of IMO delegates working to achieve gender equality.
H.E. Hessa Al Malek, Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said, “It is a moment of pride for us to be elected alongside other countries that have been doing great work for the sector. With this win, the UAE has demonstrated its active role in strengthening the maritime sector through a series of initiatives, as a result of which we have received international acclaim. We have, in particular, been at the forefront when it comes to women’s participation in the industry.”
