Technical Cooperation Committee (TC 76) - Opening remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE OPENING OF THE 76TH SESSION OF THE TECHNICAL COOPERATION COMMITTEE (TC 76), 8 to 12 June 2026

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 8 June 2026

Good morning, distinguished delegates,

Welcome to the 76th session of the Technical Cooperation Committee and I would like to wish you all happy World Ocean Day.

I first would like to extend my sincere condolences to the families and victims of the earthquake that struck the Philippines recently, which has caused fatalities and injuries and affected countless lives. Our thoughts are with all those impacted, and recognized the efforts from the authorities and first responders engaged in the relief efforts. 

Before turning to the work of this session, I wish to begin by expressing my deep concern regarding the ongoing crisis in around the Strait of Hormuz and the recent attacks on merchant and search and rescue vessels in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, which have resulted in fatalities and several injured seafarers.

I wish to express my deepest condolences to the Governments of Azerbaijan and Ukraine, as well as to the families and loved ones of the seafarers who lost their lives in these attacks.

As I have repeatedly mentioned, any attack on innocent seafarers or civilian shipping is unacceptable. These seafarers are simply carrying out their duties and performing an essential service to the global community, ensuring the continued flow of goods and energy, and they must be protected from the consequences of broader geopolitical tensions.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, my efforts continue to be focus on the Council’s mandate to facilitate work aimed at enabling the establishment of maritime corridors for the safe evacuation of seafarers, should the situation require it. This plan is firmly anchored in international law and IMO standards and is intended to be implemented by the relevant countries. Efforts to operationalize it are ongoing but I need the support and commitment of all relevant stakeholders.

This biennium’s World Maritime Day theme, “Policy to Practice”, captures the importance of this Committee’s work. Our role is not simply to adopt standards, but to ensure they translate into tangible results on the ground.

IMO is shifting its focus to longer term legal and policy reform, National Action Plans, technology pilots and institution building, with better alignment across the TC portfolio of activities, projects and programmes. All this is linked to Member States’ priorities and IMSAS findings.

Accountability remains a priority. The TC Portal is live, the dashboard is progressing, and real time reporting is becoming achievable. The Secretariat is committed to delivering greater transparency. 

Your deliberations this week will revolve around three key priorities: implementation of the IMO Capacity-Development Strategy; strengthened SDG alignment; and enhancing IMO's regional presence.

The draft Implementation Plan for the IMO Capacity-Development Strategy will help provide a more coherent and coordinated framework for delivering technical cooperation across the Organization, while further strengthening alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.

I am confident that, under the leadership of your Chair, Ambassador Dwight C.R. Gardiner of Antigua and Barbuda, supported by the Secretariat, you will successfully achieve the objectives set for this session.

I invite you all to the welcome reception in the Delegates Lounge after the close of today's business.

Thank you.