Day 1 of the ISWG-GHG negotiations-Solomon Islands delegation includes Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development Mr. Allan Lilia (centre), Solomon Islands Maritime Authority Principal Officer, Pollution and Safety Response Mr. Allen Ofea (left) and Senior Officer, Sustainable Shipping Ms. Diana Lazarus Vasula (right) at IMO headquarter in London, UK.
Solomon Islands Delegation Advocates for Ambitious International Maritime Emission Reductions at ISWG-GHG 18
SIMA Principal Officer, Pollution and Safety Response Mr. Allen Ofea making his first intervention at IMO.
18/02/2025: A delegation from the Solomon Islands, comprising the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA), is actively participating in the 18th session of the Intersessional Working Group on Greenhouse Gas Emissions (ISWG-GHG 18) at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London. This session is key in advancing global strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping.
Building upon the momentum from previous engagements, the Solomon Islands, in collaboration with the 6PAC+ coalition—which includes Pacific and Caribbean nations—continues to champion the negotiation of a universal levy on shipping emissions at IMO. This initiative aims to align the maritime sector with the 1.5-degree Celsius global warming target, ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for all nations and leaving no one behind.
The delegation emphasizes the urgency of finalizing and approving a comprehensive set of measures by 2025, highlighting that any delays could intensify the vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) due to climate change.
The Solomon Islands remains devoted in its commitment to international cooperation, striving for ambitious and actionable outcomes at ISWG-GHG 18. The delegation calls upon all IMO member states to support robust measures that will significantly reduce GHG emissions from the maritime industry, safeguarding the environment and the livelihoods of communities worldwide.
The sessions commenced from February 17th -21st.
The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA), a department under the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of maritime operations and protecting the marine environment. SIMA plays a crucial role in upholding national legislation and adhering to the stringent standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
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