London - Saudi Arabia demonstrated commendable leadership at the 132nd International Maritime Organization's Council (IMO) session by championing important issues.
A key focus was on promoting multilingualism within the IMO to meet the diverse linguistic needs of the global maritime community, a press release from the Transport General Authority (TGA) stated.
This initiative aims to enhance accessibility to the Arabic language within the IMO, fostering improved communication and inclusivity among international stakeholders. It also aligns with the United Nations' Strategic Development Goals (UNSDG) 16, which emphasize peace, justice, and strong institutions, further promoting inclusiveness and effective institutional building.
Additionally, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has advocated for the official recognition of the Islamic holidays Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha within the IMO calendar. This underscores the importance of cultural diversity and religious inclusivity in international organizations.
Moreover, the Kingdom has been a strong advocate of increasing gender and geographical diversity within the IMO Secretariat, aligning with UNSDG 5 on gender equality and empowerment of women and girls. This includes improving the visibility and recognition of women in the maritime sector, particularly for the International Maritime Prize. Through these advocacy efforts, Saudi Arabia aims to foster a more inclusive and balanced maritime industry.
According to the release, these efforts embody the Kingdom's Vision 2030, a roadmap for positioning Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub and promoting sustainable development. They also emphasize the empowerment of women and the promotion of leadership to foster a vibrant society.
"Saudi Arabia is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable international maritime environment, demonstrating its dedication to progressive and collaborative leadership within the IMO. The Kingdom is dedicated to representing all IMO Member States and pursuing policies that support sustainability, seafarers, and safety," the release read.