The Principality of Monaco at the 33rd Assembly of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

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The Principality of Monaco took part in the 33rd Assembly of the IMO, which was held at the Headquarters of the IMO in London, from Monday 27 November to Wednesday 6 December. The Assembly is the most important management body of the Organisation. It is responsible for approving the work programme, voting for the budget, setting out the financial operation and electing the IMO Council.

This 33rd year featured several key events, including the appointment of the new Secretary General and the election of their Executive Council as well as numerous political statements as a result of the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East. The Deputy Permanent Representative, Mrs Armelle ROUDAUT LAFON, Director of Maritime Affairs, reaffirmed the Principality’s commitment to the well-being of seafarers, the preservation of the marine environment and the freedom of the seas.

On 30 November the Assembly validated the appointment of Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco, from Panama, to the post of Secretary General. On 1 January 2024, the current Director of the Marine Environment Division will succeed Kitack Lim for a period of 4 years. He will manage 300 officers of various nationalities.

In addition, the 33rd Assembly elected the members of its Council for the biennial period 2024-2025. The Council is the executive body of the IMO and is responsible, under the authority of the Assembly, for overseeing the work of the organisation. Between two sessions of the Assembly, the Council exercises the roles of the Assembly, except for making recommendations in the area of safety and preventing maritime pollution.

©DR