Liberian Permanent Mission in London, Permanent Representative Robert Wilmot Kpadeh
The Liberia Permanent Mission in London has officially welcomed Commissioner Neto Zarzar Lighe and a high-level delegation, including senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia, ahead of the highly anticipated International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly, which commences on Monday, 24 November 2025. The Assembly presents a pivotal moment for Liberia as it seeks to retain its coveted seat at the prestigious Category (A) level of the IMO Council, with the formal vote scheduled for Friday, 28 November 2025.
Over the past year, Liberia has embarked on an intensive and meticulously coordinated campaign to secure its position among the world’s leading maritime nations, emphasizing the West African nation’s strategic leadership and critical role in global maritime governance. Since assuming leadership at the Liberian Permanent Mission in London, Permanent Representative Robert Wilmot Kpadeh, supported by a team of technical experts and the Liberia Maritime Authority, has led a sustained campaign to engage IMO member states and international maritime organizations. This campaign underscores Liberia’s exceptional contributions to the global shipping sector, highlighting the nation’s robust regulatory frameworks, its commitment to safety and environmental protection at sea, and its pivotal role as the only African country to hold a Category (A) seat on the IMO Council.
“The Council is the executive arm of the IMO, responsible for supervising the Organization’s work under the guidance of the Assembly. Comprising 40 Member States elected for two-year terms, the Council plays a decisive role in shaping global maritime policy,” explained Representative Kpadeh. “Liberia’s presence at this level underscores the trust and confidence placed in our country by the international maritime community.” In anticipation of the Assembly, the Liberia Permanent Mission in London will host a major campaign reception on Monday, 24 November 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The event is designed to engage directly with fellow IMO members, consolidate support, and foster consensus for an overwhelming reelection vote.
The reception will be followed by targeted sideline meetings and diplomatic engagements in the lead-up to the voting on Friday, 28 November. Should Liberia secure the necessary votes, it will achieve another historic milestone as the country retains its Category (A) seat amidst competition from globally recognized maritime powers, including Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Panama, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The reelection would reaffirm Liberia’s status as a global leader in shipping and maritime governance, reinforcing its position at the forefront of international maritime diplomacy.
Permanent Representative Kpadeh emphasized Liberia’s unwavering commitment to excellence in the sector, stating, “During this Assembly session, Liberia will not rest on its laurels. We will continue campaigning and engaging tirelessly at full steam to ensure our dear country retains its seat at Category (A). Our presence at this prestigious forum puts Liberia front and center in global diplomacy within the international shipping sector, which accounts for 90 percent of global trade and commerce. Liberia is the FLAG the oceans and seas know, and we humbly appeal to our fellow member states to keep us there.” Commissioner Neto Zarzar Lighe, leading the Liberian delegation, echoed the mission’s commitment to showcasing Liberia’s global maritime leadership.
The delegation will participate in plenary discussions, policy sessions, and bilateral meetings throughout the Assembly, highlighting Liberia’s adherence to international maritime standards and its proactive role in advancing sustainable shipping practices. The Liberia Permanent Mission in London remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure Liberia continues to hold a strategic voice in global maritime affairs, reinforcing the nation’s reputation as a respected and influential member of the International Maritime Organization.
