Liberia's Maritime Commissioner, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., has urged the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to adopt a more inclusive and geographically balanced recruitment strategy. Speaking at the 138th Session of the IMO Council in London, Commissioner Lighe expressed concern over the underrepresentation of Africa and other developing regions within the IMO Secretariat. He emphasized that despite Africa's significant participation in international maritime affairs, the continent accounts for only a small percentage of the IMO's workforce.
The current workforce distribution at IMO is uneven, with the European region accounting for about 45% of total employment. In contrast, Africa accounts for only 5% of the IMO's workforce, while Arab States account for approximately 4%. Commissioner Lighe stressed that this imbalance is a longstanding issue that requires practical interventions. He highlighted the need for equitable access to employment opportunities for competent and qualified professionals from underrepresented regions.
Commissioner Lighe raised concerns about existing recruitment practices, particularly the processes used to advertise vacancies and communicate opportunities to prospective candidates. He urged the IMO Secretariat to adopt more proactive and targeted recruitment strategies to ensure broader inclusion and participation. This includes considering targeted recruitment missions and talent outreach activities to attract qualified professionals from Africa and other developing regions.
Liberia's call for reform is echoed by several African and developing Member States. Commissioner Lighe commended the IMO Secretariat for its ongoing efforts to improve geographical representation but emphasized that more needs to be done. He stated that a truly global maritime organization must reflect the geographical diversity of its membership, not only in policy formulation and decision-making but also in its institutional workforce.
The Liberian delegation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting fairness, inclusivity, and equitable representation within the IMO. Commissioner Lighe encouraged the Secretariat to consider innovative approaches to recruitment, including targeted outreach and talent acquisition initiatives. This, he believes, will strengthen the IMO's legitimacy and effectiveness as the United Nations specialized agency responsible for international shipping.
Liberia's push for reform is part of a broader effort to promote institutional reforms within the IMO. The country's maritime authority believes that a more inclusive and representative workforce will enhance the organization's ability to address global maritime challenges. Commissioner Lighe's statement reflects Liberia's commitment to promoting equitable representation and fairness in international maritime affairs.
The IMO Council's 138th Session provides a platform for member states to discuss key issues affecting the organization. Commissioner Lighe's intervention highlights the need for the IMO to address the concerns of underrepresented regions. The outcome of the session will likely shape the organization's future recruitment strategies and efforts to promote geographical balance and inclusivity.
Key points
- Liberia's Maritime Commissioner calls for greater geographical balance and inclusivity in IMO recruitment.
- Africa accounts for only 5% of the IMO's workforce despite significant participation in international maritime affairs.
- The IMO's current workforce distribution is uneven, with the European region accounting for about 45% of total employment.
