IMO

International Maritime Organization

President: Isabella Buendía Ramírez

Chair:

Topic A) Mechanisms to strengthen international regulatory frameworks addressing the deployment of autonomous and AI-assisted maritime systems and their implications for maritime safety, accountability and international coordination.

Topic B) Measures to strengthen occupational safety and environmental sustainability in international ship recycling practices.

Background and faculties

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, responsible for regulating international shipping and promoting cooperation among its 176 Member States. The organization was created in response to the need for international cooperation in maritime safety, environmental protection and navigational efficiency. Throughout its development, the IMO has adopted major international conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL and STCW, which established global standards for maritime safety and environmental protection. The organization has also addressed emerging global concerns, including marine pollution, piracy, maritime security and the strengthening of international regulatory frameworks for safer maritime transport. In recent years, it has expanded its efforts toward sustainable maritime development by promoting environmentally responsible shipping practices, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting global marine ecosystems, in alignment with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

As the the primary international authority responsible for ensuring the security of international shipping, the International Maritime Organization carries out the following faculties:

Develop international regulations and conventions aimed at improving maritime safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency in global shipping;
Encourage cooperation among Member States to address challenges related to maritime security, pollution prevention, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions;
Establish technical standards and guidelines concerning vessel construction, navigation systems, crew training, and port operations;
Promote international cooperation and regulatory frameworks concerning maritime emergencies, including oil spills, navigation accidents and incidents affecting international waters;
Provide technical assistance and capacity-building programs to support developing countries in the implementation of maritime regulations and sustainable shipping practices.