HNS Workshop in Italy, 10 Oct 2014

Posted: 20/06/2014

By: Thomas Liebert

Dear HNS Correspondence Group members,

We have been approached by the Italian delegation to the IOPC Funds with a request to contact the HNS Correspondence Group about a workshop on the HNS Convention being organised in Italy later this year.

It is being organised by the Italian Interdepartmental Committee on IOPC Funds, under the auspices of the Prime Minister’s Office, and will take place on Friday 10 October 2014, in Rome.

The workshop is intended to facilitate States’ preparations for the ratification of the 2010 HNS Protocol, with particular emphasis on the practicalities of the Convention as they relate to entry into force. One objective is to alert the various branches of the Administration as well as the private sector to the specificities of the implementation requirements introduced by the HNS Protocol. Other aspects will include a regional dimension, providing some insights into specific issues related to the Mediterranean. But overall, it is clearly an event to maintain the momentum towards early entry into force, provide another opportunity for discussions among States and other interested stakeholders and generally raise the awareness about this important topic.

Italy will be holding the rotating chair of the European Union during the second half of 2014 and this event is part of a series of activities that will take place during Italy’s presidency. It is also organised under the IMO’s “Year of Implementation” theme for 2014 as the HNS Convention is one of the IMO Conventions specifically targeted under that theme.

It is expected that the workshop will be of great interest to representatives of States considering ratifying the Protocol. Participation will be open to all interested Member Governments, IGOs and NGOs in consultative status with IMO, which have pertinent expertise.

At this stage, I would appreciate if you could let me know if your country or organisation is interested in participating in this workshop. We’ll collect that feedback and inform the Italian delegation. In return, you will receive soon an official invitation from the Italian government with more details including the agenda.

Your early answer would be appreciated so the logistics can be adjusted based on numbers.

We look forward to your positive answer in support of that new effort towards early entry into force of the HNS Convention.

Best regards,

Thomas Liebert
IOPC Funds