Today is World Maritime Day
Today, 24 September 2020, is the United Nations’ World Maritime Day and this year’s theme is ‘sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet’.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) hopes that today will provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and showcase the work that the IMO and its Member States are undertaking to achieve the targets.
IMO Secretary-General, Kitack Lim, says: “The pandemic has shown that shipping, the most reliable, efficient and cost-effective method of international transportation that carries more than 80% of global trade, remains the leading facilitator of the global economy.
“Therefore, shipping and maritime will be at the heart of the economic recovery and future sustainable growth far into the future, both at sea and ashore, supporting an inclusive and resilient economy to underpin the achievement of the sustainable development goals. ‘Sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet’, our theme for 2020, couldn’t be more relevant now and for years to come.
“In the post-Covid world, much focus will be directed at the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by all UN Member States in 2015. These goals are as relevant as ever, and shipping is essential for sustainable development.”
An online debate took place earlier today. Panellists included Robert Courts, MP (Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security, Department of Transport), and Birgit Marie Liodden, Founder and CEO, The Ocean Opportunity Laboratory.
