Historical speech by the President of the Hellenic Shipowners Association, Melina Travlou, on sea security in the United Nations
In the context of Greek Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, took place high -level event on topical “Strengthening Maritime Security Through International Cooperation for Global Stability”, Tuesday 20 Mayat the seat of Security Councilto New York.
At the meeting Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis chairedwith central rapporteurs (briefers) him Secretary -General of the United Nations, António Guterres, President of the Hellenic Shipowners Association, Melina Travlou and Professor of International Relations at the University of Copenhagen and researcher at UNIDIR, Christian Bueger.
With its influential suggestion, the president of the Hellenic Shipowners Association, Melina Travlou raised her criticality sea security in its true dimension, stressing that « The security of the seas is about each of us, it affects us all, everywhere in the world. » Highlighting the vital role of shipping in the stability of the global ecosystem, it highlighted the urgent need to shield the industry by modern, multidimensional threats.
Her historical participation Union of Greek shipowners At this meeting he « enlightened » and confirmed the strong and reliable position of Greek shipping in the world fieldwith the president characterizing the Greece proud naval nation. OR Shipping of the Greeks, the leading shipping, representing over the 20% of world shipping and over the 61% of Europeanit is at the heart of developments, promoting dialogue, finding solutions and the design and adoption of optimal policies, to effectively address the challenges of the modern age.
OR Chairmansaid that the shipping industry, with 110,000 ships to sail in the seas of the world, seamlessly conveying the 90% of international trade – 12 billion tons of goods per yearsuch as food, medicines, energy, raw materials, consumer goods, everything we need in our daily lives-while 1.3 million kilometers of underwater cables mounted by ships ensure the communicationas well as the transfer of electricity. He also referred to the « heart » of shipping, to the 2 million sailorswho work day and night for the proper functioning of the whole world.
Characterized shipping as « The silent, consistent and uninterrupted guard of the prosperity of the citizens of the world » And, even under any circumstances, even in times of crisis. Indicatively he referred to the Covid-19 pandemic, where when everything stopped on the planet, shipping maintained the supply chain. But also in humanitarian crises, where shipping, through ships and seafarers, is actively involved in rescue operations at sea, « With respect to international law and dedication to her moral duty », As he stated and called on states to take on the responsibilities they refer to.
He also stressed that « Shipping is increasingly targeted – economic, politically, but also in practice, essentially », Introducing the real data of the modern threats of piracy, geopolitical tensions, organized crime at sea, as well as the emerging risk of cyberattacks.
Placed special emphasis on the fact that « The industry is working tirelessly to safeguard maritime safety, constantly informing and implementing optimal management practices, strictly observing global security regulations, while working closely with naval forces in high -risk areas, even taking self -protection measures. »
He emphasized that « While our industry is durable, it cannot and should not be allowed to lift any weight on its own. The durability of shipping should not be taken for granted, it must be guaranteed. «
In this context, he called the international community for ‘Global commitment and action to:
- to maintain maritime security as a high priority and as a permanent UN policy issue,
- To adopt a cohesive, integrated and coordinated government security governance,
- Take into account the valuable experience and know -how of the shipping industry when dealing with timeless and new threats to sea security. «
In addition, it has made it clear that in the modern field of maritime safety it is important to operate with a view to preventing crisis and not reaction to them.
The lady Melina Travlouclosing her suggestion, used the Greek word « synergy« (Synergy) giving the mark that the world’s sea shielding must be achieved. Referring to Secretary -General of the United Nations, António Guterreshe addressed Ecumenical Call for Unity and Cooperationby calling them United Nations to honor their mission. Highlighting the need to defend the freedom of navigationas a collective, worldwide responsibility and as cornerstone of peace and humanity.
The high -level session on topic “Strengthening Maritime Security through International Cooperation for Global Stability‘ broadcast live by the online channel of United Nations and is available for viewing in: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1p/k1p3dhtmbd
