9 January 2013: International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu has announced the theme for 2013 World Maritime Day, “Sustainable Development: IMO’s contribution beyond Rio+20.” The theme is part of the IMO’s work to formulate sustainable maritime development goals, the IMO’s contribution to the UN-led work on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sekimizu announced the theme and plans for developing the goals in a speech at IMO Headquarters in London, UK, on 9 January 2013. Sekimizu said consultations on sustainable maritime development goals would be held early in the year, resulting in a final policy document containing ambitious goals. The IMO Council and the IMO Committees will receive updates on the consultations mid-year, he noted.

The goals are to be developed around eight pillars for sustainable maritime development: safety, culture and environmental stewardship; energy efficiency; new technology and innovation; maritime education and training; maritime security and anti-piracy actions; maritime traffic management; maritime infrastructure development; and global standards at IMO. Sekimizu said a task force had already begun work on this basis.

Elaborating on the energy efficiency pillar, Sekimizu said he expects the establishment of mechanisms for monitoring implementation of Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), which has entered into force, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP). Elaborating on technology and innovation, he announced plans to establish a forum between the Secretariat and the industry, to promote innovation in maritime technology.

The sustainable maritime development goals are being developed in follow-up to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20). [IMO Press Release] [Speech by Secretary-General]