Belize reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable maritime development through its participation in the 22nd Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 22), held at IMO Headquarters in London from 1–4 September 2026.
Representing Belize were Ms. Jaeda Sutherland of the Belize Port Authority (BPA), together with Mr. Anique Sabal and Ms. Darlin Gaitan of the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE). The Belize delegation participated alongside representatives from across the Caribbean and the wider international maritime community during deliberations involving more than 1,000 delegates from around the world.
The session represented an important stage in the IMO’s ongoing work to develop and advance international regulatory measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping. Discussions focused on strengthening the global maritime sector’s response to climate change and supporting the transition towards a more sustainable, resilient, and lower-carbon shipping industry.
Belize’s active engagement at the IMO reflects its continued commitment to contributing meaningfully to the development of international maritime policy and regulatory frameworks. As a maritime nation and Small Island Developing State, Belize recognizes the importance of ensuring that global measures to decarbonize international shipping take into account the economic realities, developmental priorities, and unique vulnerabilities of developing countries and SIDS.
Through its continued participation in key IMO processes, Belize is strengthening its position within the international maritime community and ensuring that its national interests, as well as the broader concerns of developing and vulnerable maritime nations, remain represented in global policy discussions.
Belize remains committed to constructive international cooperation and to supporting the advancement of a maritime sector that is environmentally responsible, economically sustainable, resilient, and capable of meeting the evolving challenges of the global shipping industry.
