Outgoing scribe of the IMO, Kitack Lim

Seven member-nations of the International Maritime Organisation IMO have nominated a candidate for the post of Secretary-General of the IMO, an organ of the United Nations charged with the responsibility of regulating global shipping and maritime activities. The term of the current incumbent, Mr. Kitack Lim of the Republic of Korea, expires on 31 December 2023.

The nominations received after the deadline set for receipt of nominations of 31 March 2023 are listed below in alphabetical order by candidates’ name.  

• Mr. Moin Uddin Ahmed (Bangladesh)

• Mr. Suat Hayri Aka (Türkiye)

• Mr. Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco (Panama)

• Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry (Dominica)

• Mrs. Nancy Karigithu (Kenya)

• Ms. Minna Kivimäki (Finland)

• Mr. Zhang Xiaojie (China)

The IMO Council had at its 128th session (December 2022) approved the procedures for holding the election of the Secretary-General at the July 2023 session of the Council (C 129).

The election will take place at IMO headquarters on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

Following the election in July 2023, the decision of the Council will be submitted to the 33rd session of the Assembly of IMO in late 2023. The Assembly will be invited to approve the appointment.

The elected Secretary-General will take office on January 1, 2024.  

Source: IMO