IMLA Representation at IMO Special Lecture by Mr. Ban Ki-Moon

IMLA was well represented by its members Prof. Alison Noble and Prof. Malek Pourzanjani at IMO’s Special Lecture by Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, former Secretary General of the United Nations, which was held on 28th October 2019 at IMO Headquarters. 
 
Mr. Ban Ki-Moon clearly placed IMO and the shipping industry “in the vanguard of global efforts” to combat climate change and build a more sustainable future for the planet. Highlighting the UN’s SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), he pleaded for an “all hands on deck” approach to harness ownership at international level and to achieve these UN goals. 
 
He emphasized the importance of the empowerment of women, the inclusion of youth and recognition of gender equality and went on to praise IMO’s capacity building programmes and ongoing efforts in these areas, in particular IMO’s 2019 World Maritime theme. 
 
Gaining applause for his statement that “Earth is the only home where we can live”, Mr. Ban painted a clear picture of the havoc which climate change could bring. Nevertheless, he continued, there are reasons to be optimistic, not least IMO’s impressive efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 
 
To conclude, Mr. Ban reiterated the importance of IMO’s work as central to global efforts in the interconnected world of the 21st century and called on IMO member states to engage in robust cooperation to put the UN SDGs and climate change at the centre of national priorities.
 

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