The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced that the World Maritime Day theme for 2017 will be based around shipping efficiency, global stability and sustainable development as part of its efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
When announcing the 2017 theme, ‘Connecting Ships, Ports and People’ at the IMO Council’s 116th session at IMO Headquarters in London, Secretary-General Kitack Lim said that the theme would provide an opportunity to work with developed and developing countries, shipping and public and private sector ports to help identify and promote best practises for shipping and build bridges between the diverse areas of the sector.
According to the IMO SG, the theme aims to improve cooperation between ports and ships, and develop a closer partnership between the two sectors; raise global standards and set norms for the safety, security and efficiency of ports, and for port and coastal State authorities; and standardise port procedures through identifying and developing best practice guidance and training materials.
Mr. Lim stated: “The maritime sector, which includes shipping, ports and the people that operate them, can and should play a significant role helping Member States to create conditions for increased employment, prosperity and stability ashore through promoting trade by sea; enhancing the port and maritime sector as wealth creators both on land and, through developing a sustainable blue economy, at sea.”
The theme also expects to help achieve the UNs’ SDGs by responding to current threats posed by world population increases, climate change, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, food security, environmental threats, societal threats from violent extremists and instability leading to mixed migration.
“Ultimately, more efficient shipping, working in partnership with a port sector supported by governments, will be a major driver towards global stability and sustainable development for the good of all people,” Mr. Lim commented.
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