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“The world counts on seafarers,” he mentioned.
“Ships transport a outstanding 90 per cent of the world’s commodities — from grains and power, to shopper items and far more. With out ships and the men and women who work on them, economies would stall and folks would starve.”
Pandemic challenges
Nonetheless, seafarers have confronted immense challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UN chief listed a few of these points, which embrace contracts prolonged lengthy past their expiry dates and most intervals of service, and issues associated to vaccinations, medical care and shore depart.
The Worldwide Maritime Group (IMO) continues to advocate for seafarers through the pandemic by urging international locations to designate them as key staff.
Kitack Lim, the IMO Secretary-Common, said that with out seafarers, there could be no delivery.
Sharing the journey
The theme for this yr’s worldwide day celebrates maritime journeys and voyages, offering an opportunity “to acknowledge and pay tribute to seafarers in all places, no matter their voyage”, he mentioned.
As a part of an IMO marketing campaign, seafarers from across the globe are utilizing social media to share pictures and details about what really resonates with them, whether or not a optimistic expertise or difficult circumstances.
“Transport and the decision of the oceans, kind a lifestyle,” mentioned Mr. Lim. “It’s a significant, vital profession that gives a stable basis for all times and presents countless alternatives to study and progress.”
A greener future
The worldwide day can also be a chance to look to the long run, and for the UN Secretary-Common, this implies listening to seafarers.
“They know higher than anybody their wants and what this trade must do to handle key challenges. This contains the enlargement of social safety, higher working situations, addressing the crew-change disaster, adopting new digital instruments to boost security and effectivity, and making this trade greener and extra sustainable,” he mentioned.
The UN chief concluded his message by calling for renewed dedication to supporting seafarers in all places, and honouring their data, professionalism and expertise.
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