Africa-Press – Liberia. From Monday, 7 April, the global community’s attention will be focused on the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization in London as the weeklong pivotal 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the Organization gets underway.
A dispatch from Liberia’s Permanent Mission to the International Maritime Organization says this monumental session is expected to adopt potential Green House Gas (GHG) midterm reduction measures to achieve the ambitious goal of the IMO 2023 GHG Strategy to decarbonize international shipping near or by 2050.
“This watershed plenary is expected to forever alter how global shipping operates, especially as it relates to the deployment and use of alternative fuels and technologies that emit less CO2.” The Mission’s statement said.
Dr. Conway Chairs MEPC
The 83rd Session will be presided over by Dr. Harry Conway who is Liberia’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Dr. Conway said chairing the session is very significant for Liberia because the MEPC is a very crucial session at which we are expected to adopt the midterm measures for the reduction of Green House Gas (GHG).
“It is very significant for the country because this session is a very crucial session at which we are expected to adopt the midterm measures for the reduction of Green House Gas (GHG).
“Given the complexity of the issues and the discussions, to have a Liberian chairing such a committee is an honor and a national pride.” Dr. Conway said.
Dr. Conway said presiding over the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) boosts Liberia’s national and international image, enhances the country’s chances of retaining its council category ‘A’ seat and a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
“Absolutely it boosts our national and international image, it enhances our chances of getting re-elected to category ‘A’ of the IMO in December this year and it also helps our chances to get elected for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Dr. Conway argued that the country is ready to lead international efforts due to its key role in international shipping at the International Maritime Organization.
Liberia Plays Leading Role at IMO – Amb. Kpadeh
Liberia Permanent Representative to the IMO, Ambassador Robert W. Kpadeh is leading the Liberia delegation to this all-important meeting, which is expected to see 1300 delegates from around the world in attendance physically, in addition to thousands more joining virtually.
The delegation is expected to articulate the country’s position to ensure whatever measures that are adopted are ‘just and equitable’ and ‘leave no one behind’.
Additionally, the Liberia delegation would continue its spirit of cooperation and collaboration with other Member States as demonstrated during the week of the 19th session of the Intersessional Working Group on GHG to reach consensus on measures that take the needs of every nation into consideration, in particular the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDs).
“Of particular importance and pride, as well as historical consequence to the Liberia delegation, is the realization that the session would be chaired by Liberia Alternate Permanent Representative to IMO, Dr. Harry Conway.
Given the complexity of the discussions and issues to address, it is no doubt a source of national pride to have a son of the soil chairing what has now become the most important committee within the IMO because of the issue of decarbonization of international shipping.” A statement said.
Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the IMO Ambassador Robert Kpadeh said in an interview that the Liberia chairing of the all-powerful MEPC session is a show of leadership exhibited by the country’s representatives at the maritime organization.
“Liberia continues to demonstrate strong leadership at the level of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Not only that we chair the MEPC, but we are also a very big ship registry and our program conforms to international regulations. We are ensuring that our fleet does not have dark ones. And we are fully involved with the workings of the IMO.” Amb. Kpadeh said.
According to him, Liberia is very busy at the International Maritime Organization given the crucial and critical nature of shipping especially with the country being the largest ship registry.
The head of the Liberia maritime program in London mentioned that if the country is playing a critical role that focuses on international security and peace, he thinks Liberia is in a better position to serve at other international levels.
“We are seeking to retain our category ‘A’ council seat, and we do so with courage because we demonstrate leadership as a country. We are involved with all of the different working groups providing leadership, making arguments that advance global security. We deserve a seat on the United Nations Security Council. Amb. Kpadeh noted.
The Liberia Permanent Mission recognizing the immense benefits to the nation because of the key roles Liberia is playing in the IMO, including being a ‘Category A’ Member of the IMO Council and Chair of MEPC, urges the Government of Liberia to pay keen attention to these discussions.
“Immediate benefits include the boost of the country’s image internationally; re-election of Liberia to ‘Category A’ of the IMO Council in December this year and the election of Liberia to a non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council by virtue of the fact that Liberia is the number one open Maritime Registry in the world with 15% of global shipping tonnage or 5000+ vessels under the Liberia flag.
Cognizant that about 80% of global trade depends on shipping and Liberia controls 15% of the global tonnage, qualifies Liberia as an important player in ensuring peace and security in terms of global shipping that moves the important goods that sustain nations.” A statement from the Liberian mission added.
According to the Liberian IMO mission based in London, long term benefits include a share of potential revenue from decarbonization economic measures to develop Liberia port infrastructures to accommodate GHG compliant vessels, training our seafarers to modern technologies on GHG vessels and developing our renewable energy potentials to power our ports, hospitals, schools, homes, and other installations.
“These would be in addition to the abundance of private public partnership investment opportunities to be derived from the green shipping revolution to be unleashed because of the midterm GHG reduction measures. The Liberia Permanent Mission shall keep the nation abreast of developments following the meeting as it articulates the country’s position to ensure whatever measures are adopted are ‘just and equitable’ and ‘leave no one behind’. The statement noted.
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