On 6 September, Dr. Alison Noble, the Chair of International Maritime Lecturers Association (IMLA) attended the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary General’s briefing for NGOs and IGOs online.

The SG Arsenio Dominguez provided updates on IMO’s works related to the Red Sea & Houthi attacks, MPox, IMO ship identification numbers, Code of conduct for IMO meetings and events, digital listing of speakers at IMO meetings, E-publications and gender & diversity in the Maritime, etc.

He also spoke about the importance of multilingualism within the maritime sector and the added value that this brings. In respect to the wellbeing of the seafarer, SG stated that we must raise our voices for seafarers. He thought the wellbeing of seafarers is not enough and should be enhanced.

“In my capacity as Chair of International Maritime Lecturers Association (IMLA) and regarding your report on gender and diversity within the maritime sector, I would like to emphasize the importance of these ideas filtering through to education and to those who deliver and impart that information.” Alison briefed during the meeting and got the supportive response from the SG.

There are 89 international non-governmental organizations in consultative status with IMO. IMLA became the NGO with consultative status of IMO from 1993. During the years, IMLA actively participated in the IMO meetings and events, contribute its resources and knowledge in the area of Maritime Education and Training, advocating the cultivation of maritime talents and the wellbeing of the seafarers.