- The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Technical Cooperation Committee (TCC) convened in London this week (June 24-28) to discuss and upgrade their 10-year strategy.
- The primary objective is to establish a more streamlined approach to technical cooperation, ensuring better service for member states, particularly developing countries and small island developing states (SIDS).
Strengthening Support for Developing Nations
Opening the meeting, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the importance of a “strengthened IMO technical cooperation programme” that caters to the specific needs of member states. He highlighted the crucial role of the TCC in achieving this goal, with a particular focus on developing countries and SIDS/LDCs (Least Developed Countries).
A Cohesive Approach to Technical Cooperation
The Committee will consider consolidating three existing strategies into a single, comprehensive plan for the 2021-2030 period. This unified strategy will encompass:
- Capacity-Building Decade 2021-2030 Strategy: This focuses on enhancing the capabilities of member states in the maritime sector.
- Long-term Resource Mobilization Strategy: This strategy aims to secure sustainable funding for technical cooperation initiatives.
- Revised Financing and Partnership Arrangements: This aspect explores improved financing mechanisms and effective partnerships to support a robust technical cooperation program.
Examining the Draft Strategy
To delve deeper into the proposed strategy, the Committee established a Working Group tasked with meticulously examining the draft and reporting back by the end of the week.
Beyond the 10-Year Strategy
The TCC meeting agenda also addressed other critical topics within the maritime sector:
- The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Exploring how technical cooperation can contribute to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
- Technical Cooperation Planning and Reporting: Reviewing the 2023 annual report.
- Resource Mobilization and Partnerships: Discussing strategies for securing funding and fostering collaboration.
- Regional Cooperation: Addressing the importance of regional presence and coordination for effective technical cooperation.
- IMO Member State Audit Scheme: Ensuring compliance and best practices.
- Evaluation of ITCP Activities: Assessing the effectiveness of the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme’s initiatives from 2020-2023.
- Women in Maritime: Exploring ways to strengthen the impact of women in the maritime industry through capacity building.
- Global Maritime Training Institutions: Discussing the roles of the World Maritime University, the IMO International Maritime Law Institute, and other training entities.
The meeting, chaired by Mr. Dwight C.R. Gardiner of Antigua and Barbuda with support from Vice-Chair Ms. Anays Berrocal of Panama, concluded on Friday, June 28th.
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Source: IMO
