On 3 July Georgia’s Delegation at the International Maritime Organization hosted an event in support of the of establishment of the IMO Women’s Network – an initiative announced earlier this year by the High Commissioner of the Canada at the similar event held at the Canada House in March 2019.
The event was opened by remarks of the Permanent Representative of Georgia at the IMO, Ambassador H.E. Mrs Tamar Beruchashvili, the IMO Secretary-General Mr Kitack Lim and the Women International Shipping and Trading Association – WISTA International’s President Mrs Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou.
In her address, Ambassador Tamar Beruchashvili delivered on the history of Georgian women seafarers and activities that Georgia is conducting throughout 2019 to support the theme of this year's World Maritime Day and to promote women empowerment in the maritime sector.
It was particularly highlighted that Georgia is proud to be one of the first IMO delegations that supported establishment of the new format of cooperation within the Organization and thus, Georgia aims to continue to work actively to deliver concrete results to minimize barriers for women in maritime. Herewith, Georgian delegation will strongly encourage adoption of the relevant resolution on women empowerment and gender equality at the upcoming 31st Session of the IMO Assembly in order to keep this topic high on the IMO's agenda beyond 2019.
The IMO Secretary-General strongly endorsed the above-mentioned initiatives and welcomed active engagement of Georgia, as an emerging maritime country in the Black Sea region. He agreed with Ambassador that it is absolutely important to continue co-operation between all stakeholders in support of women and their role in the maritime industry.
WIISTA President also spoke about Georgia’s active contribution to the Association and underlined the successful projects being implemented by regional representation – WISTA Georgia. Mrs Panayiotou Theodosiou reiterated WISTA’s interest to be actively involved in the process of further activities of the IMO Women’s Network.
Georgian wine was served during the event.