IMO reshapes its strategy for technical support to Member States
IMO Technical Cooperation Committee Advances Capacity-Development Strategy
The International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s Technical Cooperation Committee has made significant progress in formulating a comprehensive strategy for enhancing the maritime capabilities of its Member States. The Committee convened in London from June 24 to 28, finalizing a revised draft of the IMO Capacity-Development Strategy, with a particular focus on supporting Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.
Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez commended the Committee’s efforts, stating, “You have made good progress in shaping the comprehensive Capacity-Development Strategy. The initial discussions in the working group mark a step forward for our Organization.”
The updated strategy integrates the existing Capacity-Building Decade 2021-2030 Strategy with plans for long-term financing of the IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) and resource mobilization for other Technical Cooperation (TC) activities. Key areas of discussion included the vision and mission, specific objectives, thematic priorities, resource mobilization, and monitoring and evaluation. Emphasis was placed on the importance of e-learning and “blended learning” methods, as well as the role of IMO’s regional presence offices.
In an effort to further refine the strategy, the Committee established a correspondence group, aiming to finalize the work by the next session (TC 75). Additionally, the Committee welcomed the expansion of the IMO Regional Presence Scheme, which ensures grassroots implementation of technical cooperation activities. New Regional Presence Offices (RPOs) are being developed in Trinidad and Tobago, Egypt, and Fiji, with expected operational dates spanning from late 2024 to early 2025.
The Committee also noted significant financial contributions, with $10.32 million pledged by donors since the last session (TC 73). Denmark and Norway announced further pledges to support developing countries’ participation in key IMO meetings and technical cooperation projects, amounting to approximately $3 million and $95,000, respectively.
The Committee expressed gratitude for these contributions and encouraged continued support from Member States, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and industry stakeholders.
