Marking his first Assembly speech since taking office, Dominguez reflected openly on his early ambitions for the role, revealing that in 2022 he had written that he wanted to “shake things up a little” if he was elected as Secretary-General of the Organization, an aim he says has shaped his approach over the past two years. 

When I wrote those words, I did not realize quite how daunting – or how exciting – that would turn out to be… said Dominguez. 

Furthermore, the Sec-Gen acknowledged the “complex international environment” confronting global shipping, citing geopolitical tensions, shifting trade dynamics, and rapid technological and environmental transitions.

"My strategic priorities, then, and now, are, to advance our sector, progressing on matters such as safety, security, decarbonization and automation; to increase our visibility as an Organization and as a sector; to be more diverse and transparent, and to enhance our support to all our Member States, particularly in the areas of technical cooperation and capacity development."… the Secretary-General highlighted.

He also highlighted recent impacts on seafarers and vessels in the Red Sea and the Black Sea, calling them “unjust” examples of maritime workers being caught in geopolitical crosscurrents.

Despite these challenges, he underscored the vital role shipping continues to play in sustaining global trade and development.

Progress on safety, climate and technology

Reviewing the Organization’s work over the past biennium, the Secretary-General highlighted progress across key committees:

• Maritime Safety Committee: Advancements in navigation safety, training standards, and regulatory frameworks for new fuels and technologies.

• Marine Environment Protection Committee: Continued implementation of the IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy, along with work on marine litter, biofouling, underwater noise, and ballast water management.

• Legal Committee: Efforts to address fraudulent ship registration and protect seafarers from abandonment and criminalization.

• Facilitation Committee: Major steps toward digitalization, including the now-mandatory maritime single window system.

• Technical Cooperation Committee: Expanded capacity-building initiatives to support developing Member States in meeting IMO obligations.

Dominguez emphasized that these achievements are collective, praising Member States for what he described as “steady commitment” across all areas of IMO’s mandate.

Assembly to take up strategic plan, budget and key resolutions

The Assembly will consider the IMO’s revised Strategic Plan for 2024–2029, which outlines the Organization’s mission and long-term priorities. Delegates are also expected to approve the 2026–2027 budget and work programme.

Several major resolutions are slated for adoption, including:

• The first comprehensive IMO Capacity Development Strategy, establishing a unified framework for technical assistance and cooperation.

• The Framework and Procedures for the second cycle of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme, aimed at strengthening global implementation and transparency.

• A proposal to enhance multilingualism, including introducing Arabic as a working language of the Assembly.

Internal reforms and a “fresh energy” at IMO

Dominguez also pointed to internal reforms undertaken during his tenure, including updates to staff rules, new diversity and gender strategies, improved communications, and upgrades to IMO headquarters facilities. Even the IMO logo, he noted with a smile, has undergone a facelift.

"I have had to shake and restructure IMO a little, and I have had to shake you, the delegates, up a little too"… he said, adding that constructive pushback from Member States keeps him “on his toes.”

A final tribute to seafarers

Reaffirming a recurring theme of his tenure, Dominguez closed by paying tribute to the world’s seafarers, calling them the “heart of the maritime sector” and praising their resilience and professionalism amid global challenges.

With confidence in the delegates’ leadership, he urged the Assembly to deliver “meaningful outcomes” that will strengthen the Organization and support a safer, more sustainable and more inclusive future for global shipping.

By: The Editorial Team