"Sailing into the future: safety first."

This is improving the overall efficiency and competitiveness of the shipping industry, making it possible to design, build and manage ships more efficiently, handle more cargo, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction.
Shipping accounts for around 90% of world trade and is the least environmentally damaging mode of transport. It is clear that improving the safety of ships and reducing their GHG emissions go hand in hand; both are key to achieving a sustainable and efficient maritime sector. The slogan "Sailing into the Future: Safety First" promotes IMO's ambitious and expeditious GHG emissions reduction policy, which includes assessing the safety risks associated with the introduction of new and adapted technologies and alternative fuels, as well as developing regulatory measures to address and ultimately mitigate those risks.
The theme is also strongly linked to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, secure, sustainable and modern energy; SDG 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all; SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation; SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts; and SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
The IMO Council, meeting in its 129th session, approved the theme on the proposal of IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.