Events

World Maritime Day 2026

"From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence" has been selected as the IMO’s World Maritime Day theme for 2026 and 2027, culminating in the annual celebration on the final Thursday of September.

For the first time, the theme will run for two years, highlighting IMO’s clear commitment to put policies into practice, by providing technical assistance, training and other essential services.

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About World Maritime Day

World Maritime Day was first held in 1978 to mark the 20th anniversary of the IMO Convention’s entry into force. Celebrations are held throughout the world to focus attention on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment, and to emphasize a particular aspect of IMO's work. World Maritime Day celebrations are usually held during the last week in September.

Since 2005, in addition to the official IMO celebrations held at IMO Headquarters in London, there has been a Parallel Event hosted by a Member State.
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To read more about World Maritime Day 2026, click here.

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The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) plays a central role in shaping the global regulatory framework for the environmental sustainability and decarbonization of international shipping. Behind its formal decisions lies a complex process of discussion, negotiation and consensus building among IMO Member States with different national circumstances, priorities and interests.Drawing on the unique experience of the Chair of the MEPC, this webinar will offer an inside perspective on how the Committee works in practice. The session will explore the role of the Chair in facilitating discussions, managing different positions and guiding Member States towards consensus and agreement. It will also consider the important contribution of informal dialogue and exchanges outside the formal meeting room, including bilateral discussions and conversations during meeting breaks, in identifying common ground and supporting progress in negotiations.

MODERATORS‍

‍Professor Dr. Aykut I. Ölçer, Director of Research, Maritime Energy Management, World Maritime University, Malmö, Sweden

‍Associate Professor Fabio Ballini, Maritime Energy Management, World Maritime University, Malmö, Sweden

‍PRESENTER‍

‍Dr. Harry T. Conway, Alternate Permanent Representative, Liberia Permanent Mission to IMO, & Chair, Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), International Maritime Organization (IMO), London, United Kingdom

‍AGENDA‍

‍Welcome and Introduction (13:30 - 13:40 CEST)

Professor Dr. Aykut I. Ölçer

‍PRESENTATION (13:40-14:00 CEST)

‍Dr. Harry T. Conway

‍Drawing on his experience as MEPC Chair, Dr. Conway will provide insights into the discussion, negotiation and agreement-building process among IMO Member States, including how different national positions are managed and how the Chair facilitates dialogue and supports the search for consensus. The presentation will also explore the interaction between formal negotiations and informal discussions, including bilateral exchanges and conversations outside the formal meeting room, and how these can help build trust, identify areas of convergence and facilitate agreement.

‍Q&A Session (14:00-14:25 CEST)

‍Closing Remarks (14:25-14:30 CEST)

The webinar is open to the public. Register at: https://bit.ly/4hAh6l5

On 24 October, United Nations Day is celebrated around the world. It is an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s work on behalf of humanity, including on urgent challenges such as alleviating poverty and hunger, defending human rights and addressing the need for bold climate action.

UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.

October 24 has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly recommended that the day be observed by Member States as a public holiday.

To learn more about United Nations Day, click here.

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