World Maritime Day is celebrated on 24 September to mark the international maritime industry’s contribution to the world’s economy, especially in the shipping sector.
Background
More than 80% of global trade is delivered to citizens and communities around the world through foreign shipping. For most goods, shipping is the most productive and cost-effective international transport method; it provides a secure, low-cost means of globally transporting goods, promoting trade, and helping to establish prosperity among nations and people.
The world depends on a stable, healthy and productive international shipping industry, which is an important component of every sustainable green economic growth programme for the future.
History
To mark the 20th anniversary of enforcement of the IMO Convention, World Maritime Day was first held in 1978. Celebrations are held around the world to draw attention on the importance of shipping safety, maritime safety and the marine environment and to highlight a specific feature of the work of the IMO. The celebrations of World Maritime Day are typically held during the last week of September.
There has been a parallel event organised by a Member State since 2005, in addition to the official IMO celebrations held at IMO Headquarters in London.
Theme 2020
“Sustainable shipping for a sustainable earth” is the theme of World Maritime Day 2020. The theme raises awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) of the United Nations and also illustrates the work undertaken to achieve the objectives by the International Maritime Organization ( IMO) and its Member States.
The pandemic of COVID-19 has demonstrated the professionalism and dedication of the two million seafarers serving in the merchant fleet worldwide. Shipping has transported more than 80% of world trade that includes essential medical supplies, food and other basic commodities that are crucial to the reaction and recovery of COVID-19, but as they have been stuck at sea, hundreds of thousands of seafarers face a humanitarian crisis, unable to get off the ships they run with contracts extended by many months. This must be urgently taken care of by governments who can appoint seafarers as vital staff and ensure who healthy crew changes take place.
How is the day celebrated?
World Maritime Day enlightens the importance of shipping protection, maritime safety and the marine environment and highlights a specific aspect of the work of the IMO. The day also includes a special message from the secretary-general of the IMO, which is backed up in more detail by a discussion paper on the selected subject.
In several nations worldwide, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, World Maritime Day is observed. To commemorate this day, several maritime organisations and unions organise special events and activities. These programmes and events range from symposiums to luncheons, as well as day-centered school lessons.
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