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Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Antonio M. Lagdameo has been elected president of the 32nd IMO Assembly
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This is the first time in IMO’s history that the Philippines was elected as president of the Assembly, IMO’s highest governing body
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The Assembly is responsible for approving arrangements of the IMO, and elects the Council
Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Antonio M. Lagdameo has been elected president of the 32nd IMO Assembly.
This is the first time in IMO’s history that the Philippines was elected president of the Assembly, IMO’s highest governing body of the United Nations’ specialized agency.
Lagdameo was nominated by the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom, which was seconded by the representative from South Africa. Lagdameo was elected during the opening of the IMO Assembly 32nd session on December 6, 2021 at the IMO Headquarters in London.
In thanking the delegations for their support, Lagdameo noted his election comes during a year when seafarers are recognized as being at the heart of shipping. He said it is an acknowledgment and endorsement of the commitment the Philippines has made to the objectives and work of IMO.
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim, in his remarks, outlined the accomplishments of the organization for the past two years, and highlighted that through and beyond the pandemic, sustainable transport will be at the heart of global recovery. He noted the World Maritime Theme for 2021 is “Seafarers at the core of shipping’s future,” and that throughout the year, the IMO has promoted the important role of seafarers in shipping and world trade.
The Assembly is IMO’s highest governing body and all 174 member states and three associate members are entitled to attend the Assembly, as are the intergovernmental organizations with which agreements of cooperation have been concluded, and non-governmental organizations in consultative status with IMO. The Assembly normally meets once every two years in regular session. It is responsible for approving the arrangements of the Organization, and elects the Council.
Elections for members of the Council will be held later this week, with the Philippines running for re-election. The Assembly session will conclude on December 15, 2021 while the Council will meet on December 16, 2021 immediately after the Assembly session.
