Council, 134th session (C 134) - Closing remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE CLOSING OF THE 134TH SESSION OF THE COUNCIL (C 134), 7 to 11 July 2025

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 11 July 2025

Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates,

As we bring this session of the Council to a close, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support you have shown throughout the session and as always — from your insightful contributions across a broad range of agenda items to your commitment to strengthening the very rules that govern our work.

Your trust means a great deal to me, and you may count on my continued commitment to serve with determination and dedication in pursuit of our shared goals.

This session of the Council has been productive in delivering a number of important outcomes that will strengthen the Organization and enhance its ability to serve Member States effectively.

The approval of the Organization’s budget outline for the biennium 2026 - 2027 reflects the Council’s collective commitment to ensuring IMO’s continued stability and operational effectiveness and provides a sound financial foundation for the implementation of our strategic directions and the delivery of essential services to Member States.

The Council also agreed on the revised Strategic Plan for the Organization for the period 2024 - 2029 providing clear vision and direction for the Organization. 

Another key outcome was the Council’s agreement on the process for the second cycle of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) which will be submitted to the Assembly for adoption, ensuring a smooth transition into the next phase of audits. This marks a major step forward in supporting Member States’ implementation of IMO instruments. 

Importantly, the Council also approved the consolidated version of the IMO Convention in all six official languages. This is a vital step in strengthening the legal clarity and accessibility of the Organization’s foundational instrument.

This session also saw significant progress in the area of institutional governance with the finalization of the Council’s own revised Rules of Procedure. 

Additionally, the Council agreed a draft revised set of Rules of Procedure for the Assembly’s consideration, with a view to promoting alignment and coherence across IMO organs.

The presentation of the Guidelines on Multilingualism to the Council reaffirms the Secretariat’s commitment to enhancing multilingualism in all aspects of its work, in keeping with our core values and in support of transparency, inclusivity, and full participation of all stakeholders.

This wide-ranging set of achievements reflects the Council’s strong leadership, collective resolve, and shared commitment to a more transparent, effective, and future-ready IMO.

A sincere thank you all for your vision, and cooperation as we continue advancing these vital priorities together.

As always, this is also the moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to those delegates and experts who are concluding their tenure with us and for whom this marks their final session of the Council.

The following representatives will be leaving after this session:

  • Ms. Michelle Sanders of Canada;

  • Ms. Hongbing Zhang of China; and

  • Mr. Chakir El Aissaoui of Morocco.

We extend our sincere best wishes for continued success in all your future endeavours.

A number of long-serving IMO staff members are also due to retire. I would like to express our collective appreciation for their many years of dedicated service. In particular, we acknowledge:

  • Mr. Brice Martin-Castex;

  • Ms. Heike Deggim;

  • Mr. Hiroyuki Yamada

  • Ms. Josephine Uranza; 

  • Mr. Malek Smaoui;

  • Ms. Sharon Grant;

  • Ms. Tatjana Krilic;

  • Mr. Vincent Job; and

  • Mr. Victor Mackenney.

Thank you for your invaluable contributions to the work of the Organization throughout all these years.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Chair, Mr. Victor Jimenez Fernandez of Spain, whose outstanding leadership has once again ensured a successful conclusion to this session.

My sincere appreciation also goes to the Vice-Chair, Ms. Amane Fethallah of Morocco, for her steady support throughout.

A special word of thanks is due to Mr. Darrick Leow, who expertly chaired the Working Group on the Strategic Plan, guiding its work to a productive outcome.

The work of the Council is unique among IMO meetings, requiring coordination across all Divisions of the Secretariat. I am deeply grateful for the dedicated efforts of my Office and the Administrative Division in leading the preparation and coordination of this session.

My appreciation also extends to the Legal Affairs and External Relations Division for its work on key agenda items, and to the technical Divisions for their continued support.

Let us not forget the remarkable contribution of the Conference Division to the success of this meeting. Finally, my sincere gratitude goes to the interpreters, whose professionalism ensured seamless communication and understanding throughout our discussions.

As we conclude, I wish each of you a peaceful and well-deserved weekend. May your journeys home be safe and smooth, and may you return refreshed and ready for the opportunities ahead – though not before I remind you that I hope to see you at the barbecue on the terrace.

Thank you.

***