The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council has approved Qatar's bid to host the World Maritime Day Parallel Event (WMODE) in 2028. The decision was made during the council’s 137th regular session, held from July 6 to July 10.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud al-Thani, Qatar’s ambassador to the United Kingdom and permanent representative to the IMO, expressed gratitude to member states for their support. He emphasized Qatar’s commitment to delivering a high-profile event aimed at advancing the IMO’s objectives, promoting international cooperation, enhancing knowledge sharing, and fostering innovation and sustainability within the maritime sector.
According to Sheikh Abdullah, the selection of Doha to host the event underscores Qatar’s growing prominence in the global maritime industry. The WMODE is an annual international forum organized by the IMO in partnership with a different host country each year. The event gathers government officials, shipping and maritime transportation leaders, representatives from global organizations, academia, and private sector stakeholders to address key challenges and opportunities facing the maritime sector.
The two-to-three-day event planned for Doha will focus on a wide range of critical topics, including maritime navigation safety, marine ecosystem protection, decarbonization efforts, digital transformation, supply chain management, and the integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in shipping, logistics, and port operations. These themes reflect both regional and global priorities aimed at advancing sustainable and efficient maritime practices.
The upcoming 2028 WMODE event in Qatar is expected to provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration that supports the IMOs ongoing efforts to ensure the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping.