December 8, 2025— London, England—Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) attended 34th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO Assembly this past week. The IMO Assembly endorsed the IMO Council’s decision on ICC’s application for Permanent Consultative Status. This milestone comes after many years of dedicated advocacy at the IMO.
ICC was the first Indigenous Peoples Organization to gain Provisional Consultative Status and are now the only IPO with Consultative Status at the IMO. This decision ensures Inuit will continue to have a voice at the IMO where international shipping safety, security, and pollution prevention standards are set.
“This decision marks an important recognition of Inuit rights, expertise, knowledge systems and leadership in the global maritime community. Consultative Status at the IMO ensures that Inuit voices and knowledge will not only be heard but continue to shape international policies impacting our homelands,” said Herb Nakimayak, ICC Vice-Chair.
“The decisions made at the IMO is a historic milestone achievement. ICC’s participation in the IMO directly impacts our communities,” said Sara Olsvig, Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council. “Gaining permanent consultative status ensures that Inuit perspectives will continue to inform global shipping policy. This recognition not only strengthens Inuit participation but hopefully sets precedent for other Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations seeking to participate meaningfully in international marine policy-making.”
ICC will use our consultative status to participate in several IMO working groups to ensure that international shipping policies reflect Inuit perspectives and priorities, including sustainable Arctic development.
