The Government of Dominica has made announcement, declaring the name of “Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry” as the candidate for the Commonwealth of Dominica for the post of the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization. The following announcement has been made by the government of Dominica at a reception to present the candidature of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
Considerably, the election for the post of Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization will take place on July 18, 2023.
While announcing the candidature, Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit added that, “It gives me a great honor and delight to present Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry for the consideration as the next Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization.”
“Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, a woman of integrity, is a towering presence in the Maritime world, who has created a legacy of visionary and transformative leadership defined by the excellence, action and compassion, “ says PM Skerrit.
He further added that, “Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry’s visionary, inclusive and transformative leadership continued at the World Maritime University, and in her 8 years tenure, the University’s endowment fund more than doubled, ensuring its financial visibility and sustainability.”
In his message, PM Skerrit has extended confidence in the knowledge, experience, expertise, wide network, diplomatic acumen and transformative leadership of Dr Cleopatra and said that, “This is what IMO needs at this time to empower it into an agile, adaptable, resilient and sustainable body.”
At the same time, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy, Dr Vince Henderson said that, “Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry’s candidacy for the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization presents another opportunity for her to bring her visionary and inclusive leadership, wealth of knowledge and experience to build upon and transform the role of the IMO as the leader in the Maritime industry.”
Minister Dr Vince Henderson added that, “Under the leadership of Dr Cleopatra, the IMO will be poised to tackle today’s pressing issues of climate change and the decarbonization of the industry. She will embrace and leverage technology for reshaping the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the maritime sector to better serve the IMO’s and industry stakeholders. She will assiduously for strengthening the ties and collaboration with other international organizations, such as states, academia, and social partners within the shipping industry.”
Moreover, Dr Cleopatra said that, she will actively seek collaboration with other international organizations like UN, ITF, ICS, ILO and FAO, and also ensured to work in elevating the profile of the IMO at the global scale, highlighting its crucial role in shaping the future of the maritime sector.
Along with this, she also ensured that she will emphasize the importance of technical cooperation programmmes for improving the compliance and implementation of IMO Conventions among other member states by advocating for the development of innovative ideas to secure funding for these programmes.
She also added that she will be working strengthening the Global Maritime Community by fostering a strong, united global maritime community, which is built on integrity, trust, cooperation and shared responsibilities through continued international collaboration and dialogue.
Notably, Dr Cleopatra added that, she will develop a modern Global Maritime Accord by facilitating discussions and negotiations among members states, industry stakeholders and international partners for developing a shared vision for the maritime future for all. She added that, “The vision will be grounded in the principles of social justice, environmental stewardship, and economic prosperity ensuring that the maritime industry is sustainable, inclusive and resilient.
Dr Cleopatra mentioned that, she will also work on promotion of sharing of best practices and the implementation of regulations and measures via effective regional cooperation, for addressing corruption, piracy against ships, substandard migration transport, IUU Fishing, and other unlawful acts at Sea.
Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland, along with the Foreign Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Denzil Douglas as well as other CARICOM Leaders have taken part during the reception.
