Kathmandu: Chargé d’Affaires a.i. and Acting Permanent Representative of Nepal to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Bipin Duwadi, addressed the Thirty-fourth regular session of the IMO General Assembly at the Organization’s headquarters in London on November 26.
In his statement, Duwadi emphasized that international trade and maritime transport serve as vital lifelines for all nations, including Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Land-locked Developing Countries (LLDCs) like Nepal. He noted that these sectors are closely linked to economic growth, poverty reduction, competitiveness, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
As Nepal prepares to graduate from LDC status by 2026, he stressed that a smooth and sustainable transition will depend on resilient maritime connectivity. He reaffirmed Nepal’s support to the IMO and called for the Organization’s assistance in strengthening Nepal’s maritime governance and technical capacity, including through the IMO Trust Fund and other targeted initiatives.
Duwadi also highlighted Nepal’s commitment to global climate goals. Aligning with the IMO’s 2023 strategy of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by or around 2050, he noted Nepal’s own pledge under the Paris Agreement and its national goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045.
The Thirty-fourth Session of the IMO General Assembly began on November 24, 2025 and will continue until 3 December 2025. The Assembly will review key reports and recommendations and elect 40 IMO Council members for the 2026–2027 term.
