Liberia’s Maritime Commissioner, Cllr. Neto Zaza Lighe, has launched the country’s campaign for re-election to Category A of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, emphasizing Liberia’s longstanding commitment to global maritime safety, sustainability, and innovation. The Commissioner underscored Liberia’s seven-decade history of active participation in shaping international maritime policy, highlighting the country’s role in championing progress across various aspects of the industry. He stressed Liberia’s proactive approach to technological advancements transforming ship design, construction, propulsion, manning, communication, and navigation, positioning Liberia not just as a participant but as a leader in these evolving areas. The Commissioner presented Liberia’s candidacy not merely as a campaign for re-election, but as a reaffirmation of the nation’s dedication to the core principles and objectives of the IMO.
The Commissioner highlighted the Liberian Shipping Registry’s standing as one of the world’s largest and most respected, attributing this achievement not solely to innovation but also to its proactive role in driving positive change, enhancing efficiency, and raising safety standards across international waters. He reiterated Liberia’s historical involvement in the IMO since its inception in 1949, emphasizing the country’s significant contributions to the development of maritime laws, policies, and practices that serve the interests of all flag states and, ultimately, benefit humanity as a whole. Recognizing the responsibility that comes with global influence, the Commissioner urged support for Liberia’s re-election, portraying it as a reinforcement of a voice consistently advocating for safety, sustainability, and shared growth within the maritime sector. He further emphasized that re-electing Liberia would ensure balanced and inclusive decision-making at the highest levels of the IMO.
Cllr. Lighe assured the international maritime community of Liberia’s readiness to fulfill its reciprocal commitments as the 34th Regular Assembly Session of the IMO approaches. He stressed the importance of the trust built over the years and pledged continued collaboration based on mutual support, shared goals, and a unified vision. He further expressed Liberia’s commitment to working collaboratively through communication, cooperation, and coordination to navigate towards a future characterized by safe, secure, green, and equitable maritime development. Invoking the imagery of the Thames, the location of the campaign launch, he underscored the shared connection of the maritime world, emphasizing the commonality of purpose and destiny.
The Commissioner expressed his eagerness to engage individually with states and their leaders to build a stronger maritime world, collaboratively. He drew inspiration from former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s quote, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor,” emphasizing the importance of navigating challenges with skill, purpose, and unity. This sentiment resonated with the campaign’s central theme of Liberia’s commitment to navigate the complex waters of international maritime policy and regulation with experience, dedication, and a collaborative spirit.
The campaign launch held in England was attended by prominent figures in the maritime world, including the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, further highlighting the significance of Liberia’s bid for re-election. Also present were Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the IMO, Ambassador Robert Wilmot Kpadeh, Liberia’s Ambassador to the Court of St. James, United Kingdom, Genevieve Kennedy, and the Inspector General of Police of the Republic of Liberia, Gregory Coleman, demonstrating the broad support for Liberia’s candidacy from within the Liberian government. The presence of these key figures underscored the importance Liberia places on its role within the IMO and its commitment to continuing its contributions to global maritime governance.
The campaign launch serves as a crucial platform for Liberia to articulate its vision for the future of the maritime industry and to garner support for its re-election to the IMO Council. The Commissioner’s emphasis on Liberia’s long-standing commitment, its proactive approach to technological advancements, and its dedication to collaboration resonates with the growing need for international cooperation in addressing the complex challenges facing the maritime sector. Liberia’s bid signifies its intention to remain a key player in shaping global maritime policy and contributing to a safer, more sustainable, and prosperous future for the industry.
