UAE re-elected to council of UN maritime agency

In 2017 the UAE became the first Arab country to be selected for a place on the IMO governing body

The UAE is a leading figure in the maritime industry. Antonie Robertson/The National

The UAE has been re-elected as a council member of the International Maritime Organisation, the UN agency which regulates shipping.

In 2017 it became the first Arab state to be selected for a place on the IMO’s governing body.

It sought election to the 40-member council as a leading member of the maritime trade sector.

“We commit to fulfilling (our) responsibilities as a council member and to continue investing maximum effort and resources to helping IMO achieve its mission for safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans,” Mohamed Al Kaabi, the UAE’s permanent representative to the IMO, said.

He was speaking at the IMO headquarters in London during its 31st General Assembly.

In laying out why the UAE should remain in the council, Mr Al Kaabi noted the country’s commitment to protecting maritime workers and supporting their training, as well as hosting a series of regional workshops to support the IMO.

He also cited a commitment to attracting women to the industry, support for measures to combat fraudulent registration of ships and the country’s actions to lower greenhouse gas emissions as evidence the UAE should be re-elected.

“UAE had a very significant contribution towards IMO’s various maritime issues by presenting proposals aimed at enhancing regulations for safety, security and protection of the marine environment and supporting the facilitation of maritime trade,” Mr Al Kaabi told the assembly.

The UAE has been a member of the IMO since 1980.

“We have developed an inclusive approach of being a flag state, port state, coastal state, that enables us to address wider maritime issues in a comprehensive, well-balanced and integrated manner to contribute to the international maritime community within the IMO framework,” Mr Al Kaabi added.

Egypt was also elected to the 40-nation council.