António Guterres – the UN Secretary General at the Security Council high-level open debate on 20 May 2025, reiterated that the anchor of maritime security is respecting the international law. Without maritime security, there can be no global security.
11 August 2025, as the UN Security Council opened a high-level debate; José Raúl Mulino – President of Panama and Chair of the August Security Council Presidency kicked-off a meeting, titled “Maritime Security: Prevention, Innovation, and International Cooperation to Address Emerging Challenge”
At this meeting, H.E. José Raúl Mulino – President of Panama emphasized Panama’s strategic location and long-standing role in maritime trade. He emphasized that more than 80% of global trade, by volume, is transported via maritime routes. For this fact, he calls for clear rules, cooperation, and respect to safeguard global shipping.
Ricaurte Vásquez Morales – Authority CEO Panama Canal emphasized the canal’s constitutional commitment to equal access “in times of peace or war” has helped shield it from geopolitical tensions. Over 25 years under Panamanian administration, the canal has doubled its capacity, expanded locks, and enhanced security, with revenues reinvested to maintain operations and fund social projects in Panama.
Arsenio Dominguez – Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) said safety and security are fundamental for maritime sector to upkeep economic stability, sustainable maritime development and livelihood, focusing on the emerging challenges to the global maritime security. He said threats to shipping “are ever present”. The report said in 2024 nearly 150 incidents of piracy and armed robbery – with the highest numbers in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, the Indian Ocean, and West Africa.
Valdecy Urquiza – INTERPOL Secretary General warned that piracy and armed robbery are resurging in parts of Southeast Asia, with continued threats in the Gulf of Guinea, Singapore Straits, the Red Sea, and the Somali coast. He said maritime crime is increasingly linked to terrorism, with groups using sea routes to move weapons, operatives, and illicit goods, and pointed to rising cyber vulnerabilities as ports adopt automated systems.
Related link:
Maritime security is key to economic stability & sustainable development -IMO Chief | United Nations
Maritime Security Vital for Global Peace & Security – UN Chief Briefing | United Nations
