Singapore is currently hosting the inaugural General Assembly of the International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) as an intergovernmental organisation (IGO), from 18 to 21 February 2025. This significant event follows IALA’s transition from a non-governmental organisation to an IGO on 22 August 2024, after the Convention on the International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation came into force.
Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Teo Chee Hean, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the importance of international cooperation in enhancing navigational safety. He reaffirmed Singapore’s support for IALA’s mission to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vessels, benefiting the maritime community and protecting the marine environment.
The assembly, attended by approximately 400 delegates from 65 countries, provides a platform for discussing developments in Aids to Navigation, vessel traffic services, and emerging technologies. It also includes the election of the IALA Council for the next term and the setting of strategic priorities for the organisation’s future work.
IALA Secretary-General, Mr Francis Zachariae, expressed gratitude to Singapore for hosting the event, stating, “The transition to an intergovernmental organisation will enable IALA to collaborate more effectively with governments and other intergovernmental organisations.”
The event also features a joint seminar on the VHF Data Exchange System, organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), IALA World-Wide Academy, and the Japan Coast Guard, highlighting Singapore’s commitment to enhancing global maritime safety.
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