The first ever Pacific representative appointed as the new Director General of the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) has pledged his commitment to advance issues of importance to Fiji and Pacific’s development.
This was conveyed at an introductory meeting with the Pacific’s diplomatic officials in United Kingdom to congratulate and welcome the new Director General of IMSO and the Permanent Representative of Vanuatu, Ambassador Laurent Parenté.
Representing the Fiji’s High Commission in London at this meeting was the First Secretary Mrs. Paulini Cakacaka.
At the meeting, representatives of member states including Fiji conveyed their support to Mr. Parenté, as he prepares for his new role to advocate and promote the interests and priorities of the Small Island Developing nations at the international stage.
The appointment of Mr. Parenté is quite significant, given the importance of the shipping and maritime transport sector to the Pacific region and Fiji.
The newly appointed IMSO Director General reaffirmed his commitment to leverage IMSO’s consistent representation and active participation in all spheres and areas of significance including Maritime Satellite Navigation Radio communication as well as Search and Rescue.
Fiji is a member of IMSO since March 2016 and has been actively engaged in negotiating and facilitating programs implemented in the region.
We have been beneficiaries to diverse capacity building programs, and expert exchange in specialised and maritime technical areas; since being a member.
Shared learnings from more advanced member states have also significantly assisted us in improving and expanding our maritime telecommunication infrastructure sector; particularly in the areas of Safety and Security.
As a vibrant and vocal voice of Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) in both International Migration Organization (IMO) and IMSO programs, member states appointed Mr. Parenté; at the margins of the twenty-eighth session of the IMSO Assembly.
Mr. Parenté officially assumes his new position from April next year, succeeding Captain Ahmed of Bangladesh; who has served two (2) terms in the position since April 2015. Mr. Parenté has been a maritime representative (both to IMO and IMSO), for the last seventeen (17) years.
IMSO is the intergovernmental organization charged with the mandate to oversee the performance of all components and the availability of the mobile satellite communication systems recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for their use in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
The overarching objective is to enhance the accessibility of satellite-based communication technologies and improving safety of life at sea and promote the development of shipping industry.
