The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Regional Presence Office (RPO) for the Pacific will serve as a centre for coordination, knowledge and technical expertise.
The RPO was officially opened by the International Maritime Organization’s Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez.
Mr Dominguez, who was visiting Fiji for the first time, said he was deeply honoured to be in Fiji for the launch of the organisation’s RPO for the Pacific.
“This Regional Presence Office will serve as a centre of coordination, knowledge and technical expertise, directly supporting countries and ensuring that the Pacific is part of the shipping evolution… Pacific SIDS and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), have always been a priority for IMO,” he said.
He welcomed the opportunity to enhance the global presence of the IMO as well as their ability to work with the Pacific region and member states.
Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Minister, Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the commissioning of the office marks a milestone in the partnership between the Pacific and the IMO.
“The establishment of this office, the first of its kind in the region, demonstrates the value of regional engagement and co-operation in strengthening maritime governance, safety and sustainability,” Ro Filipe said.
“We acknowledge with gratitude the Pacific Community (SPC) for hosting the Office at its Lotus Building facility and for your instrumental support throughout this process.”
He said the Pacific is defined by the ocean – vast, interconnected and essential to Pacific people’s way of life.
“Maritime transport sustains our communities, our economies and our resilience,” Ro Filipe said.
He said the commissioning of the office was timely.
“In July 2023, the IMO adopted its revised Greenhouse Gas Strategy, committing to reach indicative targets of reducing emissions by at least 20 per cent by 2030 and 70 per cent by 2040, relative to 2008 levels.
“These ambitious benchmarks are essential for global efforts to address climate change – and they resonate strongly with our region’s priorities.
“Under our enhanced National Determined Contribution (NDC), Fiji has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with a specific target of reducing domestic maritime emissions by 40 per cent by 2030.
“Achieving this requires investment, innovation and technical expertise – and the IMO RPO is a vital partner in helping us bridge the gap between ambition and action.”
The RPO office will strengthen IMO’s outreach and technical co-operation capacity in the Pacific by improving the understanding of the unique needs of SIDS and LDCs in the region.
It will ensure that capacity-development activities are tailored to specific regional needs, towards a timely and refined results-based and thematic approach.
This Regional Presence Office will serve as a centre of co-ordination, knowledge and technical expertise, directly supporting countries and ensuring that the Pacific is part of the shipping evolution. Picture: FILE