Supporting ICAO and IMO

Singapore has launched new training programmes in aviation and maritime sectors, aimed at supporting the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in their efforts to promote a rules-based international order. “Pillars of a Rules-Based International Order”

Mr Jeffrey Siow, Acting Transport Minister of Singapore, referred to ICAO and IMO as “pillars of a rules-based international order”, highlighting their importance in maintaining safety and sustainability in global transport. The training programmes include a comprehensive course for transport officials from the Small Island Developing States (Sids), comprising states in the Caribbean and Pacific islands, among others. This programme will focus on the unique challenges faced by small island states in the aviation and maritime industries, and is set to launch in 2026.

Key Highlights of the Training Programmes:

• Supporting ICAO and IMO in their efforts to promote a rules-based international order
• Developing training programmes for transport officials from Sids and other regions
• Addressing the unique challenges faced by small island states in the aviation and maritime industries
• Enhancing safety and sustainability in global transport

A Global Initiative for Aviation and Maritime Training

Singapore has announced a new global initiative to develop and deliver specialised training programmes for officials and practitioners across both the aviation and maritime sectors. “Increasing Interdependencies”

Mr Siow explained that the collaboration between Singapore and ICAO/IMO recognises the increasing interdependencies between the aviation and maritime sectors, and the common challenges they face. The global initiative aims to support officials and practitioners in meeting the challenges of safety, sustainability, and technological advancements in both industries.

Extension of the Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme

Mr Siow announced the extension of the Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme, which will provide funding for 330 fellowships and 10 scholarships valued at US$1.8 million (S$2.3 million) over the next three years. Developing Countries Training Programme:

The programme supports officials from developing ICAO member states in attending aviation-related courses. The extension will increase the number of fellowships and scholarships to support more officials from developing countries in accessing training opportunities.

Committed Funding for IMO and ICAO

Singapore has committed a second tranche of US$3 million to the Enhanced Technical Co-Operation and Training Package for IMO and its member states. Funding for IMO and ICAO:

This additional funding will support training for seafarers in areas such as alternative fuels, digitalisation, and marine casualty investigations. Singapore has already committed US$2 million for 2024 to 2025 to support training for seafarers in these areas.

A History of Aviation and Maritime Support

Singapore has a long history of supporting the aviation and maritime industries, including running aviation and maritime training courses for over 1,800 participants under the Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme. Training Achievements:

To date, Singapore has run over 2,400 participants under the Singapore-IMO Third Country Training Programme.

A Commitment to Safety and Sustainability

Mr Siow highlighted the importance of safety and sustainability in the aviation and maritime industries, citing the need for officials to be well-equipped to handle new technologies and challenges. Safety and Sustainability:

He noted that the aviation and maritime sectors each contribute about 3 per cent of global emissions, and that aviation and maritime decarbonisation must be balanced against economic development. ICAO and IMO have adopted 2050 net-zero carbon emissions goals.

Global Trends and Challenges

Mr Siow discussed the growing challenges facing the aviation and maritime industries, including rising costs, heightened uncertainty, and growing consumer demand. Global Trends and Challenges:

He noted that these trends have knock-on effects on freight networks and port operations worldwide, and highlighted the need for the industries to adapt and innovate.

A Multi-Fuel Future for Maritime

Mr Siow also discussed the maritime sector’s need to transition to a multi-fuel future, with alternative marine fuels such as liquefied natural gas, biofuels, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen. A Multi-Fuel Future:

He noted that while sustainable aviation fuels can reduce emissions by up to 80 per cent, the availability of infrastructure for alternative marine fuels varies across shipping routes. Key Takeaways:

• Singapore’s commitment to supporting ICAO and IMO in promoting a rules-based international order
• The global initiative for aviation and maritime training
• Extension of the Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme
• Committed funding for IMO and ICAO
• A history of aviation and maritime support
• A commitment to safety and sustainability
• Global trends and challenges
• A multi-fuel future for maritime

Speech Highlights

Mr Siow delivered a speech at the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium, highlighting the importance of safety and sustainability in the aviation and maritime industries. Key Points:

* Singapore remains committed to working with ICAO and IMO. * The global aviation and maritime communities are coming together for the first time to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sectors. * The collaboration between Singapore and ICAO/IMO recognises the increasing interdependencies between the aviation and maritime sectors. * The training programmes will support officials and practitioners in meeting the challenges of safety, sustainability, and technological advancements in both industries.

Conclusion

The Republic of Singapore has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aviation and maritime industries through training and capacity-building initiatives. Conclusion:

The global initiative for aviation and maritime training is an important step in promoting a rules-based international order and supporting officials and practitioners in meeting the challenges of safety, sustainability, and technological advancements in both industries. Singapore’s commitment to the cause will help ensure a more interconnected and sustainable global transport system, where safety and sustainability are paramount.