IMO has a key role in implementing a number of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which relate directly or indirectly to the oceans, protection of the environment and the maritime industry. How to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and implement the UN SDGS is therefore a key theme which underpins the work of IMO’s Technical Co-operation Committee, which oversees IMO’s integrated technical co-operation programme (ITCP).
The Committee is meeting for its 67th session (17-19 July). The Committee will be invited to approve the proposed ITCP for 2018-2019, which includes 10 global programmes. Two of these are new proposed programmes, to support IMO’s response to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the blue economy; and to support the implementation of the technical cooperation aspects of IMO’s new Strategic Plan for 2018-2023.
The ITCP also includes five regional programmes covering: Africa; Arab States and Mediterranean; Asia and Pacific Islands; Western Asia and Eastern Europe; and Latin America and Caribbean. The Committee will review activities during 2016; discuss funding issues; and consider three draft Assembly resolutions covering: the linkage between IMO’s technical assistance work and the 2030 Agenda; guiding principles to support the 2030 Agenda; and financing and partnership arrangements.
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim opened the 67th session, which is being chaired by Mr. Zulkurnain Ayub (Malaysia).