The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced that its annual budget is set to exceed £40m for the first time. This significant milestone reflects the organization's continued growth and commitment to its mission of promoting global economic stability and cooperation.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly is set to convene next week at its London headquarters. The assembly, which comprises all member states, meets biennially to discuss upcoming work programs, budgets, and elect the IMO Council.
Budgetary Considerations
As the outgoing secretary-general, Kitack Lim, has cautioned, the annual budgets for 2024 and 2025 are expected to hit new highs. Inflation has been cited as a contributing factor, with levels not seen in the United Kingdom for 40 years. The proposed budget for next year stands at £40.9m ($51.25m), representing a 5.9% increase over 2023.
Translation of Technical Documents
Among the topics up for debate is a draft resolution supported by 22 member states that calls for greater translation of technical documents. The resolution criticizes the overwhelming use of English in the IMO secretariat and demands that all technical documents, including annexes, be translated into all six UN official languages. This issue is related to concerns over transparency and ensuring that no one is left behind in complex technical work, which is often undertaken by correspondence groups that only work in English.
Controversies and Challenges
While the issue has been debated in past council sessions, it has always been met with resistance due to the increased budgetary cost that would inevitably require higher member state contributions. Suggestions that more use should be made of automated translation technologies are controversial, given the highly technical nature of IMO documents.
Multilingualism Policy Framework
The current secretary-general has established a cross-divisional group within the secretariat to develop a comprehensive strategic policy framework for multilingualism.
Appointment of New Secretary-General
The assembly will also approve the next secretary-general, Arsenio Velasco from Panama, who is set to take over from Lim on January 1.
Another topic on the agenda is the shadow or dark tanker fleet, which has sparked strong opposing views on how to define this slice of the global merchant fleet.
Document Submission at Assembly
It is worth noting that the IMO Assembly is the only meeting where documents can be submitted without any deadline right up to the start of the meeting and throughout the meeting.
Summary
The IMO Assembly promises to be a busy and important event, with member states tackling crucial issues related to budgets, translation, and fleet definitions. While there are challenges ahead, the assembly offers an opportunity for collaboration and progress towards a more transparent and inclusive maritime industry.
(This article is sourced from Splash247.com and curated by Thetransporteronline24)
