Technical Cooperation Committee (TC 75) - Opening remarks

ADDRESS OF THE IMO SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE OPENING OF THE 75TH SESSION OF THE TECHNICAL COOPERATION COMMITTEE (TC 75), 2 to 6 June 2025

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 2 June, 2025

Good morning distinguished delegates, 

I am pleased to welcome you all to the 75th session of the Technical Cooperation Committee. 

Last year more than 4,500 people were trained via IMO technical cooperation support, including projects, 49 countries were supported with National Action Plan development, 40 countries with technology demonstration pilots, including development of technical feasibility studies and necessary long-term policy, legislation reforms. I'm sure you will agree with me that these numbers are very relevant.

These efforts addressed both Member States needs and broader maritime sustainability goals, including GHG reduction, digitalization and seafarer welfare. 

I have previously stated my vision for a strengthened IMO technical cooperation programme – one that responds to global challenges of the maritime sector, and the needs of our Member States, especially of developing countries, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).  

Last year, I reported the restructuring of the Secretariat with the creation of the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division (TCID). This year, further restructuring has been done in TCID with merging the projects and regional teams into the Maritime Development Subdivision, which will benefit Member States with a more coordinated action on the ground. 

Turning to the major agenda items this week, a dedicated working group is expected to refine and finalize the draft IMO Capacity Development Strategy, giving us a single, coherent framework that aligns all technicalcooperation activities and projects with shared objectives and measurable results. As well as to consider the way forward for the IMO e-Learning Implementation Plan.  

You will review and sharpen our SDG indicators, targets and milestones, while a new working group identifies priority areas that most need additional resources and recommends a clear path forward. 

I also look forward to your insights on advancing gender initiatives under the Women in Maritime programme and ITCP projects, and on scaling up our global maritime training institutions to meet future skills demands. 

On Thursday, 5 June, you are all invited to a Thematic Exchange Day: From Insights to Impactful Action Workshop, accompanied by an EXPO, allowing for more informal discussions and showcasing of best practices and lessons learned of IMO's technical cooperation as of now that we can further build on. 

I am confident that your Committee will progress significantly under the leadership of your Chair, His Excellency Mr. Dwight C.R. Gardiner of Antigua and Barbuda, ably supported by the Vice-Chair, Ms. Anays Berrocal of Panama, as well as the staff of the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division, together with the staff of supporting divisions, and that you will be able to successfully achieve the objectives set for this session. 

I invite you all to join the welcome reception after the close of today's business. 

Thank you. 

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