These UN meetings in London are hugely important for governments all over the world. Climate action is at the forefront of many countries’ top priorities, and maritime transport is the backbone of international trade and the global economy, with over 80 per cent of the volume of international trade in goods being carried by sea.

With this in mind, the Royal Thai Embassy in London in tight collaboration with climate NGO Opportunity Green, hosted a hybrid seminar on 9 May at the IMO Headquarters in London. The aim was to provide all country delegations with the time and space to come together, learn and exchange knowledge on this subject, and provide expert information that can support countries in their preparations for the summer meetings at the IMO.

Ambassador of Thailand to the UK HE Mr Thani Thongphakdi welcomed all participants – in-person and online – from a varied range of London-based diplomatic missions and their capitals, noting the importance of international collaboration ahead of these meetings. The seminar presented a holistic view of the work being done by the IMO to address the climate crisis, and the importance of ensuring that the transition to a decarbonised shipping sector will leave no one behind, and must particularly consider the needs of developing countries.

He noted: “This year, IMO will celebrate World Maritime Day under the theme ‘MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on’. Thailand, as a Council Member and an active Member State, will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of our membership in the IMO by pledging our commitment to support the work of the organization and to enhance our efforts to promote maritime sustainability. The convening of this seminar is one concrete example of this pledge.”

In this regard, the Ambassador also commended Opportunity Green’s tireless work in advancing equitable transition in shipping and their support to climate vulnerable countries at the IMO. “To make this seminar possible, Thailand has worked closely and received support from Opportunity Green to whom I wish to extend my sincere appreciation. Indeed, I commend their tireless work in advancing equitable transition in shipping and their support to climate vulnerable countries at the IMO,” he said.

Throughout the half-day session, various contributors discussed the challenges and opportunities of decarbonisation. The event, which counted speakers from across the UN, academia, industry and public sector was well attended, and the atmosphere in the room was positive, inquisitive, and highly-collaborative.

Opportunity Green’s Shipping Manager, Ana Laranjeira said: “From the wide range of interventions and points of view presented, one thing was clear by the end of the day: an equitable transition for the shipping sector, in line with the Paris Agreement is possible.

“As stated on the day, reality is not set in stone, and this summer, IMO Member States will have the unique opportunity, and honour, to change the course of international climate action and make history. Events such as this one, brought together by the Royal Thai Embassy and Opportunity Green, are one step in the right direction towards that common goal.”

Closing remarks were made by Mr Watchara Chiemanukulkit, Maritime Attaché at the Royal Thai Embassy.