IMO 2025 Theme Our Ocean Our Obligation Our Opportunity

By
Mfame Editor
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20

  • IMO enforces a global framework for safer, cleaner seas.
  • The theme aligns with UN agreements and ocean initiatives.
  • Celebrations set for London and UAE events.

The Secretary-General of the IMO, Arsenio Dominguez, recently kicked off the theme for World Maritime Day 2025, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”, during a fun outreach event with schoolchildren. The official celebration is set for September 25, 2025, reports IMO.

The Importance of the Ocean

This theme shines a light on just how vital the ocean is to the global economy, with over 80% of international trade moving by sea. It also plays a crucial role in providing:

  1. Jobs and food security for millions.
  2. A home for countless marine species.
  3. A regulator of our climate, helping to lessen the impacts of climate change.

The Role of Shipping

As the biggest player in the ocean space, the shipping industry has a key responsibility to:
Protect the marine environment to ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources and to minimise environmental risks through global regulations.

IMO’s Commitment to Cleaner Seas

The IMO has been dedicated to this cause for a long time, establishing a strong regulatory framework and offering technical support to its 176 Member States. Some of the key treaties and frameworks include:

  1. MARPOL (1973) – Aiming to prevent pollution from ships (like oil, chemicals, sewage, garbage, and emissions).
  2. London Convention and Protocol – Governing the dumping of waste at sea.
  3. Ballast Water Management Convention – Stopping the spread of invasive aquatic species.
  4. Anti-fouling Systems Convention – Regulating harmful coatings on ships.
  5. Preparedness and Response Treaties – Tackling oil and chemical spills.

Global Collaboration and Wider Efforts

This theme is in sync with some major global initiatives, such as:

  1. The UN BBNJ Agreement focused on marine biodiversity.
  2. Ongoing discussions for a new global framework to tackle plastic pollution.
  3. The UN Ocean Conference is set for June 2025.

These efforts highlight how crucial it is for governments, industries, and communities to work together.

Celebrations in 2025

The main event will take place at the IMO Headquarters in London on September 25, 2025. There will also be a parallel event in the United Arab Emirates from September 29 to October 1, 2025. Plus, iconic landmarks around the world will be illuminated in blue to support this theme.

IMO’s Role in Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The work that IMO does for the environment is a key part of the UN 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, especially:

  1. SDG 14 – Life below water.
  2. SDG 13 – Climate action.
  3. SDG 9 – Industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
  4. SDG 17 – Partnerships for the goals.

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Source: IMO