New IMO president sets out priorities for next four years

The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) new secretary-general Kitack Lim aims to strengthen partnerships, promote the association across the globe, and effectively implement international conventions and regulations over the next four years.

Lim, the former president of Busan Port Authority, began his role as the organisation’s eighth elected secretary-general on 1 January 2016 and will be in the position until 2020.

“IMO currently faces an array of issues. With the collective wisdom and insight of IMO 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,” said Lim in a written statement. “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’.”

During his four-year tenure, Lim aims to focus on implementing international treaties; promoting IMO’s global status; contributing to the shared growth of all IMO Member States; the efficient performance of the secretariat; and building capacity in developing countries, particularly small island developing states and less developed countries.

“As the servant of the Member States and on behalf of the secretariat, I will work proactively to ensure that, through consensus and cooperation among its Member States, IMO continues to develop and deliver on its mission,” said Lim.