Newest generation of maritime law specialists graduate
IMO has received an additional US$2.0 million donation to its ‘Delivering Strategy and Reform – Voyage Together’ multi-donor trust fund (VTTF). The VTTF promotes the effective implementation of IMO’s international conventions, IMO’s global stature, capacity building of developing countries, shared growth of all Member States; and strategy development and reform initiatives to enhance the performance of the Secretariat.
The Republic of Korea has made yearly donations to the VTTF since 2016 by virtue of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Republic of Korea and IMO signed in September 2016 by the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea and the Secretary-General of IMO.
The donation was presented to Secretary-General Lim on 30 June by His Excellency Sang Keun Song, Vice-Minister, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea.
On the other hand, The IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) has held its 33rd graduation ceremony, marking the success of 56 international law specialists from 37 countries who have completed various courses at the Institution.
The ceremony, held on 1 July, was the first hybrid (in-person and virtual) IMLI graduation. It included graduands from El Salvador and Guinea-Bissau participating in the Institute’s programmes for the first time.
Addressing the graduating class at the ceremony in Malta, IMO Secretary-General Kitack-Lim said, “Despite the turbulent times and the difficulties the pandemic has caused, you have achieved your goals. You, the Class of 2022, have been empowered, through knowledge and skills, to contribute effectively to the realization of IMO’s goals for a better world.”
The newly graduating class brings the total number of IMLI graduates to more than 1,000 students from 151 countries. The graduation ceremony was the last such occasion spearheaded by current IMLI Director Professor David Attard, who will be retiring after 30 years of service. He will be succeeded by Professor Norman A. Martinez Gutierrez at the start of August 2022.
