By Laudia Sawer
Tema, Oct. 4, GNA- The Centre for International Maritime Affairs, Ghana (CIMAG) has been granted the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) observer status, acknowledging its contributions to a sustainable blue economy.
UNCTAD is an arm of the United Nations supporting developing countries to access the benefits of a globalized economy more fairly and effectively by equipping them to deal with the potential drawbacks of greater economic integration via analysis, facilitation of consensus-building, and technical assistance.
Together with other UN departments and agencies, UNCTAD measures the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals, as set out in Agenda 2030.
Mr Albert Derrick Fiatui, the Executive Director of CIMAG, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the UNCTAD Board granted his outfit observer status at its 71st annual session held at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, from 16 to 20 September 2024.
Mr Fiatui said the UNCTAD Board also “agreed to its classification as a special category under the provisions of paragraph 12(b) of Board decision 43(VII).”
According to him, this recognition acknowledges CIMAG’s expertise and contributions to Blue-Oceans Economy (Maritime) policy, research, and advocacy, which aligns with UNCTAD’s goals to promote sustainable development and equitable trade.
“We are thrilled to join the UNCTAD community, further solidifying our commitment to shaping global maritime policies and promoting Africa’s interests. This observer status empowers us to engage more effectively in international discussions, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing,” he said.
He said the key benefits of UNCTAD observer status included having access to UNCTAD meetings, conferences, and expert groups, as well as providing opportunities to participate in international trade and development discussions and having the right to submit written statements and make oral interventions.
He added that it would also facilitate information and knowledge sharing through access to UNCTAD research, reports, and data and opportunities for collaboration with UNCTAD experts.
Mr Fiatui said the platform would help the think tank influence UNCTAD’s policy decisions and recommendations while amplifying African maritime issues globally and connecting with governments, international organisations, and civil society organisations to foster partnerships and collaborations in expanding their global networks.
He stated that with access to UNCTAD training and capacity-building programmes and funding opportunities, CIMAG could enhance its impact on African maritime policy, strengthen its reputation as a thought leader, and foster strategic partnerships, as well as inform and influence global trade and development agendas.
GNA