Maintenance of international peace and security - Security Council, 9977th meeting

Safety of maritime sector fundamental to economic stability, sustainable development, livelihoods, senior official tells Security Council.

• Categories: Meetings & Events / Security Council
• Video Length: 02:56:03
• Production Date: 11 August 2025
• Asset Language: Arabic; English; French; Russian; Spanish; Chinese; Original
• Corporate Name: INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION - IMO; INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL POLICE ORGANIZATION - INTERPOL
• Subject Topical: INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION; INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY; SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT; INNOVATION; PIRACY; ECONOMIC CONDITIONS; MARITIME TRANSPORT; SEAS; ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION; ROBBERY; SHIPPING; PANAMA CANAL ZONE; SEAFARERS
• MAMS Id: 3436371
• Parent Id: 3435226
• Alternate Title: MTG SC 9977 INTL PEACE SECURITY 11 AUG 2025 AM PART 1

Description

Securing the world’s seas requires united global action, robust national capacity and the responsible use of technology, the Security Council heard today during an all-day open debate on evolving maritime threats and innovative approaches to address them. Over 70 speakers are expected to address the 15-member organ during the meeting, which is scheduled to resume tomorrow.

Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), called maritime security “one of the great enablers of the global economy”, noting the sector’s resilience in moving over 12 billion tonnes of goods in 2024 with just 1.9 million seafarers and despite geopolitical tensions. “The safety and security of the maritime sector is fundamental to economic stability, sustainable maritime development and livelihoods,” he underscored, pointing out that in 2024 alone, nearly 150 incidents of piracy and armed robbery were reported. Security threats go beyond piracy, he added, noting that the shipping industry continues to face trafficking and fraudulent activity.

The international community’s collective response must be rooted in prevention, constant vigilance, innovation, and continuous strengthening of regional and international cooperation, he said. The IMO has developed binding mandatory requirements including the 2005 revised Protocols for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts at Sea, as well as measures to address cybersecurity threats within mandatory safety management systems. He detailed IMO’s efforts to build regional and national capacity and stressed that maritime safety and security and environmental sustainability “go hand in hand”. Geopolitical tensions disrupt shipping, as well as lives, he added, urging Member States continued commitment to safe navigation.

• Presidency: His Excellency José Raúl Mulino Quintero, President and Head of State, Republic of Panama
• Briefer: Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization (via video-teleconference)
• Briefer: Mr. Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, Chief Executive Officer, Panama Canal Authority
• Briefer: Mr. Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary-General, International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL)
• Statements: All Council members
• Further statement: China
• Further statement: President of the Council (as President and Head of State of the Republic of Panama)
• Statement: His Excellency Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, India
• Statements: Indonesia, Egypt, Philippines, Croatia, Austria, Brazil

The meeting was suspended.

Related Sites and Documents

UN Meetings Coverage

S/2025/483

S/PV.9977