Liberia Permanent Mission To International Maritime Organization, London, UK : Commissioner Lighe Heads Liberia’s Delegation To IMO’s 134th IMO Council

The 134th Session of the IMO Council, taking place in London from July 7-1 1 , 2025, will focus on various maritime matters including the progress report from the Secretary- General, financial reports, and discussions on live-streaming Council meetings. Liberia will be in attendance to further its campaign to retain its seat in Category A on the IMO Council. The Liberian delegation will be headed by the Commissioner & CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr. who will be joining the team of Liberia’s Permanent Mission stationed in London, headed by Honorable Robert Wilmot Kpadeh Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization.

The delegation will represent Liberia during the week-long session at the IMO Headquarters in London to make a resounding case for Liberia to retain its seat in the coveted Category A of the IMO Council which is the prime decision-making arm of the UN organization. Cllr. Lighe and Permanent Representative Kpadeh are expected to deliberate on several matters contained within the comprehensive report that will be presented to the IMO Council by its secretary General H.E. Arsenio Dominiguez several technical, legal, and institutional issues. This engagement is a key component of Liberia’s diplomatic efforts to garner support from member states yet to endorse its candidacy.

The IMO Council is instrumental in overseeing the work of the IMO between assembly sessions and in shaping global maritime policies and strategies. Liberia has a history of distinguished service on the Council, and now as the only African nation on the prestigious Category A level, Liberia will once again be making her case for its reelection bid recently launched in May of this year.

During the session, Commissioner Lighe and Permanent Representative Kpadeh will strategically engage with representatives from various IMO Member States to solidify support for Liberia’s reelection bid to Category A of the prestigious IMO Council.

Additionally, Commissioner Lighe will meet with the Secretary-General of the IMO, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to strengthening multilateral maritime relations.

Key Topics and Expectations contained in the Secretary-General’s Report for the Council will be required to review includes a report on the progress of various IMO initiatives and activities; financial reports, including the regular budget, Trading Fund, and various funds; discussion on refining the criteria and procedures for live-streaming of the IMO’s plenary meetings to enhance transparency; Report of the Marine Environment Protection Committee recently held 83rd session in April of 2025; progress report on the IMO Member State Audit in which Liberia underwent in November of 2024; Strategy, Planning & Reform of the Organization; among others.

The IMO Council is the executive organ of the International Maritime Organization and is responsible for overseeing the work of the organization.

It is composed of 40 member states elected by the IMO Assembly, which is the highest governing body of the IMO and consists of all member states.

The Council’s work includes developing and maintaining a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping, encompassing maritime safety, environmental concerns, and legal matters et Others.

Source : Liberia’s Permanent Mission to the International Maritime Organization