Celebration of the 35th anniversary of the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI)

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez on 22 April 2024

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, 

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this special event to celebrate the 35-year journey of the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI). In particular, it is great to have the class of 2024 visiting IMO and seeing how closely they are following the Committee meeting this week. 

Over the past three decades, IMLI has played a pivotal role in providing unparalleled legal training to over 1,700 maritime professionals from 160 States and territories. These dedicated individuals representing diverse backgrounds, have become invaluable assets to their countries and the global maritime community. 

Since its inception, IMLI has remained steadfast in its commitment to diversity and inclusion by reserving 50 per cent of seats for deserving female candidates. This dedication to gender equality not only ensures equal access to education but also empowers women to thrive in the maritime industry, traditionally male-dominated, enriching it with their unique talents. I am pleased to highlight that two of the IMO Directors are IMLI graduates.  

I am committed to supporting the students through our mentorship programmes, and I would like to encourage others to do the same.  

I extend my deepest gratitude to the Government of Malta for being the welcoming and supportive host. I also wish to commend the efforts of Professor Norman Martinez and his team for their dedication and service. Their leadership and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in shaping IMLI into the renowned institution it is today.  

I wish to acknowledge and extend my profound thanks to many individuals, particularly our esteemed donors, without whom IMLI would not have been able to function. 

To the IMLI graduates: you all embarked on different journeys from your home countries to IMLI but when you depart, you carry the essence of IMLI with you, with a shared commitment to enhancing the maritime sector and achieving IMO’s objectives for safer, secure, efficient, and environmentally-friendly shipping.  

IMLI has gone from strength to strength and its crucial role is as much needed now as it was 35 years ago.