African countries’ initiatives to commemorate World Maritime Day 2022
Initiated by the United Nations (UN) through the International Maritime Organization (IMO), World Maritime Day is celebrated every year on the last Thursday of September. It was initiated to celebrate the contribution of the international maritime industry to the global economy.
This year, World Maritime Day will be celebrated on September 29, under the theme: “New technologies for greener shipping“. This theme aims to promote innovation that benefits all and the adoption of new technologies to meet the needs identified in the context of the green transition of the maritime sector, especially in the context of developing countries and in particular small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs).
This theme also links to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDGs 13 and 14 on combating climate change and the sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources; SDG 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure; and SDG 17, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships and implementation in achieving these goals.
“Our theme ‘New technologies for greener shipping’ opens up a larger conversation about shipping’s direction and how technology can be harnessed for a more sustainable future. It also provides an incentive to further examine how digitalization and automation can support shipping. But technological solutions for cleaner, safer and more sustainable shipping must also benefit people. In this regard, the impact on seafarers and other marine personnel, including the need for training must be considered.” said IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim in his message on the World Maritime Day 2022 Theme.
Commemorating World Maritime Day 2022 in Africa – Focus on some countries
⇒ In Kenya, a celebration organized by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) was held on Friday, September 23, 2022, at the Serena Beach Hotel, in the presence of key stakeholders in the maritime sector.
⇒ In Cameroon, WIMA CAMEROON are planning on Thursday, September 29, 2022, several activities namely:
- a visit to the maritime museum of Douala ;
- a visit of the access channel of the Port of Douala-Bonaberi; and
- a conference followed by video sequences on the following subjects
* National and international laws and provisions (IMO) related to the protection of the sea;
* The new African strategy of the blue economy;
* Innovative practices of maritime lines to safeguard the world’s waters
* The role of women in the ecological transition of the blue economy.
⇒ In South Africa, specifically in Durban, a side event is planned for October 12-14, 2022.
