The United Nations (UN)’s World Maritime Day(WMD) is annually observed across the globe on the last Thursday of September to celebrate the importance of maritime activities and to recognise the contribution of the maritime industry towards global development.
World Maritime Day 2024 was observed on 26th September 2024.
- WMD 2023 was observed on 28th September 2023 and the WMD 2025 will be observed on 25th September 2025.
The annual observance of WMD is led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a UN-specialised agency which ensures the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping.
Theme:
i.The theme of World Maritime Day 2024 is “Navigating the future: safety first!”.
ii.The 2024 theme reflects IMO’s work towards enhancing maritime safety and security
Background:
i.The World Maritime Day was first celebrated on 17th March 1978, to mark the date of the IMO Convention’s entry into force in 1958.
ii.Since 1978, the WMD has been celebrated across the globe during the last Thursday of September.
Events 2024:
Symposium:
The 2nd World Meteorological Organization(WMO)-IMO Symposium on Extreme Maritime Weather was organised as a part of the observance of WMD 2024. This aims to find possible solutions to reduce the risks created by extreme maritime weather events.
- The symposium focused on ‘Bridging the Knowledge Gap Towards Safer Shipping’ took place from 23rd to 26th September 2024 at IMO headquarters in London, the United Kingdom(UK).
Lighting up landmark:
IMO invited Member States, and intergovernmental organisations to light up landmarks in blue light to celebrate the WMD.
Significance of Maritime industry:
i.The International shipping transports more than 80% of global trade to people and communities across the globe.
ii.This is one of the most efficient and cost-effective method of transporting goods internationally.
About International Maritime Organization (IMO):
Secretary-General– Arsenio Dominguez
Headquarters– London, The United Kingdom
Established– 1958
