The Importance of Measuring the Performance of IMO Member States

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Peppa

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) plays a key role in the development and promotion of international standards for shipping ensuring their effective implementation through the member states. The ability to measure the performance of IMO member states in terms of implementation and enforcement of international legislation in maritime safety is critical. Here we discuss the benefits of the IMO Audit Scheme towards capacity-building and review the performance of flag states. An analysis and assessment of recent audit summary results is presented, demonstrating the contribution of the Audit Scheme towards better performance of member states. Finally, we will discuss areas for research, where additional actions/interventions could lead to future improvements in safeguarding global maritime safety.

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Weintrit

The International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), at its 101st session (5 to 14 June 2019), adopted Resolution MSC.467(101) on the guidance on the definition and harmonization of the format and structure of maritime services in the context of e-Navigation and agreed to consolidate the descriptions of maritime services and to consider them together with all involved international organizations and interested member states, in order to harmonize the provision and exchange of maritime information and data. In doing so, the MSC also approved the initial descriptions of maritime services in the context of e-Navigation (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1610), which had been prepared by the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue, at its sixth session (16 to 25 January 2019). The information contained in this paper constitutes the descriptions of two selected examples of maritime services, an initial contribution for the harmonization of the formats and structures of pilotage and tug services. The initial description of each of maritime services is expected to be next periodically updated, taking into account developments and related work on international harmonization.


2019 ◽  
pp. 14-19
Author(s):  
V. V. Okrepilov ◽  
A. G. Gridasov

The presented study examines the experience of forming a regulatory framework for the integration of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states through the example of standardization as one of the key tools of quality economics.Aim. The study analyzes the major solutions of the EAEU authorities and member countries aimed at increasing the role of standardization in the economic integration of the Union over five years of its existence.Tasks. The authors identify efficient methods for developing standardization for the integration of the EAEU states as well as the most problematic aspects in this field that need to be taken into account in the qualitative strengthening of the Union’s economy.Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to examine the activities of the EAEU authorities and member states aimed at creating a system for the economic integration of the Union during a period of its transition from separate national markets towards a single (common) market.Results. Over five years of operation in the field of stadardization, the Eurasian Economic Union has created the necessary organizational and legal framework to ensure the successful development of integration processes. The national legislation on standardization has been modernized with allowance for the harmonization of these laws. In the next five-six years, the development of international standards for 40 technical regulations is expected to be completed, which would create a regulatory framework for unhindered interaction between all participants of the single (common) EAEU market. Conclusions. The analysis of activities in the field of standardization reveals a sufficiently thought-out and coordinated policy of the EAEU states in creating the necessary conditions for overcoming legal and administrative barriers in the movement of goods and services within the common economic space of the EAEU.


2014 ◽  
Author(s):  

Proceedings of the Workshop on Relevant International Standards for Rabies, Chiang Mai, Thailand, June 2014


Author(s):  
Rodríguez José Antonio Moreno

This chapter reflects on the relationship between the Guide of the Organization of American States on the Applicable Law to International Commercial Contracts (OAS Guide) and the Hague Principles. The OAS Guide has several objectives. It proposes a current statement of the law applicable to international commercial contracts for the Americas as based on the fundamental principles of the Inter-American Convention on the Law Applicable to International Contracts, commonly known as the ‘Mexico Convention’, and with the incorporation of subsequent developments in the field to date, particularly as codified in the Hague Principles. The Guide also seeks to support efforts by OAS Member States to modernize their domestic laws on international commercial contracts in accordance with international standards. It further provides assistance to contracting parties in the Americas and their counsel in drafting and interpreting international commercial contracts; and serves as guidance to judges and arbitrators, who may find the Guide useful both to interpret and supplement domestic laws, particularly on matters in international commercial contracts that are not addressed in such laws.


Author(s):  
Simon Bulmer ◽  
Owen Parker ◽  
Ian Bache ◽  
Stephen George ◽  
Charlotte Burns

This chapter examines the European Commission’s functions and structure, along with its role in policy making. The Commission initiates legislation, may act as a mediator, manages some policy areas, is guardian of the Treaties, is a key actor in international relations, and the ‘conscience of the European Union’. The chapter proceeds by discussing the debate on the extent to which the Commission is an autonomous political actor or simply an agent of the member states. Finally, it analyses the increasing challenges faced by the Commission in securing effective implementation of EU policies and its response to concerns over its financial management of EU programmes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  

Abstract In order to respond effectively to population health and health systems’ challenges, policies must be based on the best scientific evidence derived from sound data and information, and relevant research. Health information systems (HIS), both at national and international level, play an important role in ensuring that reliable and timely health information is available for operational and strategic decision making inside and outside the health sector. How do you know if the HIS in your country is performing well? How can you identify potential areas of action in such a complex and multistakeholder system? Previous research has found that there is a great need for capacity-building activities to support strategic development and assessment of HIS. The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe has created a practical support tool to assist Member States in assessing and developing their national HIS and eHealth systems. The tool covers the domains of resources, indicators, data sources, data management, national HIS data quality/information products, and dissemination and use. Currently, the tool is being used by nine countries in the Joint Action on Health Information (InfAct) to peer review each other’s HIS in rotating groups of three countries. This skill building seminars will start with two presentations to set the scene. First, an introduction will be given on the concepts of a HIS and its core elements, the WHO assessment tool and its current format. Second, experiences will be shared on using the support tool. Thereafter, the participants will choose a domain of the HIS tool in which they are particularly interested and will be split into groups. Each group will carry out a mock exercise of the chosen domain of the tool for their own country. They will identify strengths and weaknesses, and exchange experiences among members of the group on how these have potentially been addressed. Each group will be guided by an expert in the domain with prior experience with the tool. Additionally, based on previous experiences with the tool, a set of commonly found strengths and weakness, followed by recommendations will be prepared to support the group discussions. The skill building session will end by having each group report in a plenary format. The experts from each domain will reconvene in a panel and provide feedback to the strength and weakness, and recommendations that were identified during the group discussions. Through this skill building seminar, participants will have a clear picture of what a HIS entails. They will be familiarised with an existing HIS assessment tool and how it has been used. Through guided group discussions, they will be able to identify potential elements of action in a specific domain and cross-fertilise with other participants and experts on ideas how to address specific challenges. Finally, they will learn about common strengths and challenges in HIS across Europe. Key messages Health information from strong health information systems can help Member States identify areas for action to reduce health inequalities, improve health and support the evaluation of measures taken. The specific needs for capacity building to run a health information system (HIS) on national, regional or even local level has long been neglected. HIS assessments are one element to close this gap.


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 246-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Conor Foley

The Afghan authorities and the international community have worked together to rebuild the justice sector into something which now at least approximates to a system that conforms to international standards. This article argues that while the process has been fraught there have been tangible advances and some verifiable ways to measure this. Capacity-building support of the state system will require continuing external monitoring, to gauge its impact, and the state system also has an important role in monitoring the way in which customary law institutions dispense justice. This article concludes that, despite many set-backs and uncertainties, now is not the time for the international community to turn its back on justice sector reform in Afghanistan.


Author(s):  
Delgado Ismael Cobos

This chapter discusses the role of classification societies in their capacity as recognized organizations (ROs) acting on behalf of maritime administrations to ensure that ships, old and new, meet their obligations under International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and standards. Another aspect of the role of classification societies is to ensure that ships are designed, constructed, and maintained in compliance with the standards set by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). The chapter helps to that the IMO acting alone cannot provide all the answers to all of the issues regarding ocean governance. After all, the Organization relies heavily on the active participation not only of its Member States but also on those intergovernmental international organizations (IGOs) and non-governmental international organizations (NGOs) that are affiliated to it. In many situations, they have the specialized expertise and experience required to ensure that whatever regulations are adopted by the IMO are practicable.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Kuchenmueller ◽  
A Suvanbekov

Abstract Issue/problem Despite substantial investments into increasing the availability and accessibility of information in the WHO European Region, scientific evidence often plays a limited role in policy and practice resulting in lost opportunities to improving health systems and outcomes. Description of the problem The WHO Action plan and resolution to strengthen the use of evidence, information and research for policy-making, adopted in 2016, urges Member States to increase country capacity to foster the utilization of research in both policy and practice. To support and guide Member States in this effort, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe launched the Evidence-informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe, a capacity-building initiative that operates in line with, and in support of, Health 2020 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. EVIPNet Europe aims to assist its member countries and catalyse sustainable change by strengthening both the evidence supply and demand sides, and building knowledge translation (KT) capacity at individual, organizational and system levels. Results EVIPNet Europe has been successful in enhancing the capacity of policy-makers and researchers to access, appraise, package and use evidence; strengthening organizational capacity and infrastructure; and creating institutional bridges between policy and research communities. The network’s activities have, furthermore, led to an increased conceptual and instrumental use of evidence in policy, introducing important changes in policy strategy development and legislations. Lessons To overcome the knowledge-to-policy gap, comprehensive capacity building strategies, operating at individual, organizational and systemic levels are required to create and sustain a culture more favourable to evidence-informed policy.


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