The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the United Nations established World Maritime Day to honour the maritime sector’s contribution to the world economy, notably in shipping. The September event has a strong emphasis on maritime security, shipping safety, and the marine environment. Countries including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States commemorate it. To commemorate the day, maritime organisations organise special luncheons, symposiums, and educational programs. Reducing water pollution and spreading knowledge about river restoration is crucial for protecting these essential ecosystems on World Rivers Day.
History of World Maritime Day
- Since international shipping handles more than 80% of world trade, it is crucial to the expansion of a sustainable, environmentally friendly economy.
- By creating international standards for energy efficiency, innovative technology, maritime education, maritime security, maritime traffic management, and maritime infrastructure, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) hopes to advance sustainable shipping and marine development.
- With the launch of the first Indian-owned ship, SS Loyalty, into the United Kingdom in 1964, India signalled its intention to play a leading role in the maritime industry.
- To minimise marine pollution, develop safety protocols, and increase shipping efficiency, the IMO focuses on environmental concerns, legal issues, safety, maritime efficiency, and technological collaboration.
- The United Nations created World Maritime Day in 1978 to increase public awareness of the maritime industry’s significance and its essential role in the development of many regions around the globe.
- Every year, the day has a theme intended to uplift and inspire those working in the shipping sector and provide chances to spread awareness of it. Seafarers, environmentally friendly shipping for a sustainable world, women’s empowerment in the maritime industry, and our legacy are some of the previous themes.
- Mark Angelo, the man behind the first World Rivers Day celebration in 2005, came up with the idea of a special day honouring rivers. In 100 nations worldwide, today is World Rivers Day, a day to highlight methods to reduce the risks associated with diminishing water resources.
- A proposal to save China’s severely polluted yet vital Yellow River was made official in 2019.
Theme of World Maritime Day
- The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is working to safeguard the marine environment and improve maritime safety and security. The topic of “Navigating the future: safety first!” draws attention to how new technology and alternative fuels may affect regulations, particularly those about ship emissions of greenhouse gases.
- The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Goals—which include affordable, dependable, sustainable energy access, resilient infrastructure, combating climate change, and the sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources—are connected to the IMO’s emphasis on safety. September 26, 2024, is the day of the World Maritime Day 2024.
Significance of World Maritime Day
- On National Marine Day (NMD), concerns that impact the marine sector are brought to light, including ocean pollution, a lack of international collaboration, and better working conditions for port and ship employees.
- It seeks to raise awareness of and acknowledge the contributions made by India’s marine industry to the country’s economic progress. Senior officials who have made significant contributions to the growth of the marine industry are recognised with the NMD Award of Excellence, which also encourages the next generation of people to enter the field.
- Transporting more than 80% of the world’s trade in terms of volume, the maritime industry serves as an economic engine, steward of the environment, and bridge between cultures.
- Sustainable evolution is necessary, nevertheless, due to problems like marine pollution, climate change, and geopolitical difficulties.
- Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas, and marine resources; Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, and promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation; and Goal 13: Combat climate change and its impacts, emphasising the maritime sector’s role in reducing the global carbon footprint are just a few of the SDGs that the maritime industry supports and influences.
Conclusion
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the United Nations are organising World Maritime Day 2024, a celebration of the maritime industry’s worldwide economic contribution with an emphasis on environmental preservation, safety, and security. Special activities and educational initiatives are held in countries such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US; the 2024 topic, “Navigating the Future: Safety First!” is in line with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
