IMO Assembly adopts new Capacity Development Strategy

The 34th session of the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) concluded in London with the adoption of a new strategy to strengthen Member State compliance with IMO rules, by expanding capacity-development support. 

The Capacity Development Strategy was among 22 resolutions adopted by the Assembly, including decisions on the Organization’s budget, financial statements, work programme and strategic plan, among others. The Assembly also elected a new Council to serve for the 2026–2027 biennium. 

Concluding the meeting, which ran from 24 November to 3 December, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez said:  

“Everything placed before this Assembly has been achieved, adopted, or approved. You have turned ideas into action and transformed collective ambition into concrete outcomes. Your decisions this week have strengthened the governance and strategic direction of IMO.” 

Capacity Development Strategy 

The IMO Capacity Development Strategy establishes a streamlined framework to support all Member States - particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) - in implementing IMO regulations through strengthened national maritime policies and strategies that boost economic growth while protecting the marine environment and promoting sustainable shipping. 

Approved earlier this year by the Technical Cooperation Committee (TC 75), the Strategy aims to:  

• Improve effective implementation of IMO instruments  
• Expand the suite of capacity-development offerings  
• Enhance international and regional cooperation and partnerships  
• Improve effective management, coordination and delivery of capacity development and technical cooperation  
• Secure and mobilize sustainable funding and resourcing