Technical Cooperation Committee (TC 75) - Closing remarks
ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE CLOSING OF THE 75TH SESSION OF THE TECHNICAL COOPERATION COMMITEE (TC 75)
(2 to 6 June 2025)
Distinguished delegates,
We have come to the end of another session of the Technical Cooperation Committee.
Allow me to reflect on some of the key achievements of this session:
You have agreed on IMO's Capacity Development Strategy. This marks a key step forward towards a more coherent framework to support effective implementation of IMO's regulatory framework and achievement of the SDG's that contribute to global maritime development.
This Strategy aligns with the direction of the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) and TC Fund allocation that you approved for the 2026 – 2027 biennium.
In this regard, we look forward to engaging with Member States on the planning stage ahead of 2026 as we collectively determine your specific technical assistance needs, paying particular attention to the results of the IMSAS audits. This was reinforced as an essential component of the planning process during the Committee's deliberations this week.
The revision of the scope of outputs for each of the Committee's agenda items was another important achievement. I am glad to see this shaping the strategic direction of the Committee's work programme in the future, particularly in alignment with the Capacity Development Strategy.
Regarding the events and presentations, we arranged to respond to your requests to enhance our exchanges with you. I look forward to receiving your feedback on the TC Portal and the TC Request Management System and the Thematic Exchange Day informal workshop.
I wish to thank you Chair, H.E. Mr. Dwight Gardiner of Antigua and Barbuda who led the Committee successfully. He was ably supported by the Vice-Chair, Ms. Anays Berrocal of Panama for her support throughout this session, chairing also a working group.
I also wish to express my appreciation to the other Chairs of the working and drafting groups convened during this session:
Ms. Nurul Fitrah of Singapore; and
Ms. Michelle Sanders of Canada.
As always, this is also an opportune moment to express our gratitude to those delegates and colleagues who are leaving us and for whom this marks the final session of the Committee. This includes, from the side of Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division, Ms Josephine Uranza, Regional Coordinator for the Regional Presence for East Asia. We thank her for her dedicated service and wish her all the best for her future endeavours.
I am grateful for the efforts of the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division, who led the preparations for this meeting, and for the dedication of all the staff of the Secretariat, who always work to provide the required professional support to meet your expectations.
I also take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the interpreters, who once again have facilitated our seamless communication during our meeting.
I wish you all a restful weekend, and a safe journey to your destinations.
Thank you.