THE INTERNATIONAL Maritime Organization is calling for the maritime community to combat racism and discrimination.
IMO secretary-general Kitack Lim issued a message to the industry on 21 March, which marked the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
“The urgency of combating racism and racial discrimination is the focus of this year’s theme, in the year which will mark 75 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” Mr Lim said.
Mr Lim highlighted the establishment in the Racial Equality and Equity Cross-Divisional Working Group within the IMO Secretariat in 2020.
He said the group’s work culminated in the adoption in 2021 of the Racial Equality and Equity Strategy and Action Plan 2020-2030.
“Within the coming year, the Secretariat will take incremental steps towards implementation of other commitments espoused in the action plan.
“Within the IMO family, we must all stand up for a diverse, tolerant and respectful work environment, where each of us can enjoy equality and equity. We all have the power to advocate for anti-racism.”
The IMO hosted an event at its headquarters featuring a presentation from Yewande Austin, United Nations antiracism expert and honorary United States Cultural Ambassador.
Dr Austin’s session focused on anti-racist leadership, and was an opportunity for IMO staff and delegates to learn how to eliminate racial and ethnic discrimination in the organisations they lead and serve.
Dr Austin said the need to combat racism is “more urgent than ever before”.
“We know what to do to end inequities … but racism still exists,” she said to delegates.
Dr Austin’s presentation also explored strategies for anti-racist leadership, and to change management practices to promote racial equity.
