Facilitation Committee (FAL 50) - Closing remarks
ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE CLOSING OF THE FIFTIETH SESSION OF THE FACILITATION COMMITTEE (FAL 50), 23 to 27 March 2026
Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez on 27 March 2026
Distinguished delegates,
As we approach the end of the fiftieth session of the Facilitation Committee, I would like to acknowledge the important accomplishments we have made this week.
The new amendments to the annex to the FAL Convention on key workers during a public health emergency of international concern have been adopted, which will have a positive impact on seafarers and port workers.
You have also approved new amendments to the FAL Convention on API/BRI. These measures represent a notable step forward in strengthening the management of crew and passenger information, enhancing both border control processes and operational efficiency.
In addition, the approval of mandatory cybersecurity measures to safeguard the maritime single windows is a timely and important development. These measures will strengthen the protection of systems that are critical to the seamless exchange of information between public authorities and private stakeholders in port environments.
I would like to highlight the finalization of the new version of the IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business, including new data sets. In this regard, I express my appreciation to the modelling team and partner organizations as well as all participants of the EGDH.
You have approved the IMO Strategy on Maritime Digitalization and an ambitious Strategy Development Plan, with the view for the Strategy to be adopted at the 35th session of the Assembly. The discussions and decisions taken at this session will facilitate the coordination and the engagement of the Legal, Marine Environment and Maritime Safety Committees, including the possibility of introducing amendments to the Strategy Plan of the Organization on digitalization.
You have also adopted a new resolution on Guidelines on the prevention of access by stowaways and the allocation of responsibilities to seek the successful resolution of stowaway cases.
My appreciation goes to your Chair, Mr. Watchara Chiemanukulkit of Thailand who has demonstrated leadership in steering the affairs of the Committee to a successful conclusion.
I would like to extend my special thanks to your Vice-Chair, Mr. Mohamed Al Kaabi, of UAE, for his valuable support throughout this session, including his effective leadership of a working group. I am equally grateful for the five years he has dedicated to serving the Committee in this capacity. But I am sure that we will continue to count on his participation and expertise in future sessions, so this is certainly not a formal goodbye.
I would like to welcome the new Vice-Chair for next year, Mr. Fabien Joret of France. I am confident that we will benefit from his support for the Committee’s future success.
My gratitude also goes to the other two Chairs of the working groups convened during this session, Mr. Renz of Sweden and Mr. Joret of France.
As always, this is also an opportune moment to thank those delegates and experts who are leaving us and for whom this is the last session of the Committee:
- Admiral José Cunha de Menezes (Brazil); and
- Captain Francisco Rodriguez (Uruguay).
I would also like to express my appreciation for the efforts of the staff of the Maritime Safety Division, as well as all Secretariat staff who have contributed to this session. Their professionalism, hard work, and commitment behind the scenes are essential to the smooth conduct of our meetings.
I would likewise like to thank interpreters, whose skills and dedication make our discussions possible and ensure that we understand one another clearly.
I wish you all safe travels home and a very well-deserved and restful weekend.
Thank you.
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