IMO Council election 2025 – Sweden seeks election in Category B for the period 2026-2027

Sweden, a country located in the very northern part of the hemisphere, has a long-standing commitment to the maritime sector. With few land borders, a long coastline and a large archipelago, the shipping sector is indispensable for Swedish society. Our commitment to the IMO and its mission to promote safe, secure, environmentally sound and efficient shipping therefore stands firm, and we will continue to engage in the vital work of the IMO.

If re-elected to the Council, Sweden is particularly dedicated to focus on issues that contribute to a prosperous future for shipping, in particular:

• The World Maritime University – a fundamental institution to ensure continuous strengthening of competence of maritime policy makers, maritime administrators and management
• A continuous agile and strong shipping sector ready to meet future challenges and opportunities
• Continuous good governance of the Organisation that focuses on transparency and efficient delivery of the IMO’s goals and objectives.

The World Maritime University

Sweden is proud and honoured to be the host state of the World Maritime University (WMU), a responsibility taken very seriously.

As a centre of excellence for postgraduate maritime education, the institution has a unique role in strengthening the future maritime workforce globally, supporting the IMO’s technical co-operation programme and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals related to shipping and ocean management.

Since its establishment in 1983, Sweden has been a major contributor to the WMU. At present, the annual financial support by Sweden to the University stands at 30 million SEK, which equals approximately 2.96 million US dollars. In addition to this annual financial support, Sweden, through the host city of Malmö, provides free-of-charge premises to the WMU. Moreover, since 2021 WMU’s degrees are accredited by the Swedish authorities. This accreditation was a milestone in the history of WMU, paving way for stable ground for the University’s base in Sweden.

Sweden is committed to continuing our support to the WMU in its essential work, and would be honoured if we can continue to do so also through a seat in the IMO Council.

Continuous agile and strong shipping sector

Sweden stands ready to support the IMO and the shipping sector as it takes on new challenges and opportunities, such as enhanced digitalization, innovation, prevention of environmental degradation in the oceans and climate change mitigation of shipping, diversity and work-life balance in the sector.

Sweden has a long history of innovation, and is one of the leading countries in this field. Our extensive export of innovative solutions has been an important driving force, which is also reflected in the Swedish shipping industry’s willingness to implement new technology and innovation. Naturally, Sweden has taken a particular active role in the IMO related to the development of functional requirements and autonomous shipping. If re-elected, Sweden will continue to work hard to make the IMO a forum where innovative technology and solutions can be implemented in the regulatory framework.

The high degree of gender equality and diversity in Sweden has also been a driving force for innovation. Sweden has a long standing tradition on promoting these values, and firmly believes that the maritime sector will benefit greatly by diversity, equality, and inclusion. Work-life balance and mental well- being of seafarers are related issues which Sweden associates with a strong and modern industry, were we believe more efforts can be made. If elected Council member, Sweden will aspire to lead by good example by continuing to promote gender equality and diversity, transparency and inclusiveness, both in the IMO and in the shipping sector.

Continuous good governance of the IMO

Sweden is a firm believer that the safety and security of shipping, as well as the prevention of marine pollution, can only be efficiently reached if the IMO is a well-governed body. For that reason, good governance in terms of transparency, efficiency, and inclusiveness are core values for Sweden in the IMO. Good governance allows the organisation to focus on developing timely, balanced and accurate regulations, taking into account the opinion of all the IMO member states and all specific interests.

If re-elected council member, Sweden will continue to work for enhanced transparency, efficiency, and inclusiveness at the IMO, including healthy management of its finances.