Liberia has called for stronger measures to address geographical imbalance and promote inclusive recruitment within the International Maritime Organization (IMO), urging the United Nations agency to ensure fairer representation of developing nations in its workforce.
Speaking during the 138th Session of the IMO Council in London, Liberia’s Maritime Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LMA), Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe  expressed concern over the continued underrepresentation of Africa and other developing regions within the IMO Secretariat.
Presenting Liberia’s position on the Organization’s latest human resources update and staffing data, Commissioner Lighe said the longstanding disparity in geographical representation remains a critical issue that requires deliberate and practical solutions.
He noted that despite Africa’s significant participation in global maritime affairs and its status as the largest regional bloc within the IMO, the continent accounts for only about 5 percent of the Organization’s workforce. Arab States represent approximately 4 percent, while other developing regions also remain underrepresented. In contrast, the European region accounts for roughly 45 percent of the IMO’s total staff, raising concerns about equity and balance within the Organization.
Commissioner Lighe emphasized that achieving broader geographical representation is essential to maintaining the IMO’s credibility as a global institution serving the interests of all member states.
He also highlighted concerns regarding existing recruitment practices, particularly the methods used to advertise vacancies and communicate employment opportunities across member states. According to him, these processes should be strengthened to ensure qualified professionals from Africa and other developing regions have equal access to career opportunities within the Organization.
While acknowledging the IMO Secretariat’s efforts to improve diversity and regional representation, Liberia called for more proactive measures to address the imbalance.
“Liberia encourages the Secretariat to consider targeted recruitment missions and other talent outreach initiatives to ensure broader inclusion and participation within the Organization’s structure,” Commissioner Lighe said.
The Liberian delegation stressed that a truly global maritime organization should reflect the diversity of its membership not only in policymaking and decision-making processes but also within its institutional workforce.
Liberia further reaffirmed its commitment to advancing fairness, inclusivity, and equitable representation across international maritime institutions. The delegation maintained that meaningful reforms aimed at strengthening diversity within the IMO would enhance the Organization’s legitimacy, effectiveness, and ability to respond to the needs of its diverse membership.
The IMO serves as the United Nations specialized agency responsible for regulating international shipping and promoting safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable maritime transport worldwide.
