Panama has applied for the candidacy for Secretary General position of IMO.
Candidate for new Secretary General
Republic of Panama applied for the candidacy for Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP). Arsenio Domínguez is the first Panamanian candidate for the position. Domínguez started his campaign “Taking the lead, for a united and better future” aiming to “putting people and planet first” while working in the IMO. With the current Secretary General of IMO Kitack Lim beginning his last year, Panama became the first country to apply for the position. The ninth elected Secretary Generals term begin on 1st January 2024.
Who is Arsenio Domínguez?
Domínguez is a Panamanian and Latin American Naval architect. He has been the alternate representative of Panama for IMO from 2004. And was appointed IMO Ambassador of Panamanian 2014 and was president of the MEPC until 2017. He currently serves as the director of Marine Environment at IMO. He is also member of the Senior Management Committee of the IMO. 2024 will mark 20 years since Dominguez join IMO.
Kitack Lim serves as the current Secretary General of IMO. First elected in 2016, Mr. Lim is serving his 2nd elected and final of the four year term. His last year begins in January 2023.
AMP speaking on behalf of Panama said Domínguez’s sees it as a “capitalizing opportunity” for the greater good of all. And “will usher in a new era for IMO, where we are seen as a fount of ingenuity, makers of productive resolutions and as a rewarding workplace where the best talent thrives.” They further quoted Domínguez saying, “I think IMO has incredible potential that extends beyond shipping to society. That is why I am committed to fulfilling my mission and vision.”
Noriel Araúz, Administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority and Minister of Maritime Affairs, expressed that the country is proud to support Mr. Domínguez’s mission and visions.
