Qatar Reelected to IMO Council for 3rd Straight Time for 2026-2027 Term
The State of Qatar has been reelected for the third straight time as one of the 40 Members States of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in Category C for the term 2026-2027.The reelection, for 2026-2027 Biennium, was held today, Nov. 28, during the 34th Session of the IMO Assembly in London.Voting for Qatar to continue as an IMO Council Member State recognizes Qatar’s important contribution and position on the arena of global maritime industry and the trust and confidence the international community places in it for its role on issues that matter to the world efforts aimed at enhancing maritime navigation’s safety and security, protecting marine life and biodiversity, and developing a sustainable global maritime industry.On this occasion, Minister of Transport H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani took pride in this achievement, which says that Qatar’s efforts to develop the global maritime industry is internationally recognized.He said that voting for Qatar to continue as one of the IMO Council Member States for the third consecutive time is the fruition of the wise leadership for Qatar to continue maintaining a constant, dependable presence in international organizations and solidifying its profile as a leading maritime and logistics hub in the region and the world.The minister described the achievement as a direct reflection of Qatar’s commitment to the principles of the IMO and unwavering effort to achieve its agenda for a safe, sustainable, and ecofriendly maritime industry.He added that Qatar will continue working closely with IMO Member States to enhance international cooperation and exchange expertise to further advance and develop the global maritime transportation system.The minister thanked the brotherly and friendly countries for the trust and confidence they have placed in Qatar, and all the national entities that contributed to that success.H.E. Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, Qatar’s Ambassador to the UK, Ireland, and Iceland, and Permanent Representative to the IMO, said that the victory solidifies the active role that Qatar plays to support international efforts to leverage and advance global maritime transportation industry.Qatar continuing as a member of the IMO Council, he noted, reflects the recognition of the international maritime community, given the remarkable successes achieved in Qatar, including in port infrastructures, maritime governance, and marine life protection, he added.This vote of confidence for Qatar also reflects the country’s firm commitment to contributing productively to the making of international decisions related to maritime navigation and transportation, and its attention to supporting constructive cooperation between the Organization and Member States to advance the global maritime transportation, he said.This is the third straight time Qatar has been reelected to serve on the IMO Council, something that reflects Qatar’s continuous effort to develop its maritime industry in step with the goals of the QNV 2030 for a diversified, sustainable economy.The Council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible, under the IMO Assembly, for supervising the work of the Organization. The Assembly, which normally meets once every two years in regular session, is responsible, among other things, for electing the Organization's 40-Member Council.The IMO is the UN specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. IMO's work supports the UN SDGs.
