The Republic of Panama will participate, for the first time, in the Assembly of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), after formalizing its accession to this body, in a strategic step as a key player in global maritime governance.
As an essential step to formalize the accession of the Republic of Panama, the Panamanian delegation —led by the administrator of the AMP, Luis Roquebert— will officially hand over the national flag to His Serene Highness Albert II of Monaco, as Head of State of the host country of the Assembly, which will be held from April 19 to 23, 2026.
This formal ceremony, which will be attended by all 104 member states, symbolizes the country's definitive integration into the international hydrographic community.
Panama's accession, approved after the enactment of Law 479 of 2025, guarantees the safety of navigation and human life at sea and the protection of the marine environment.
As one of the world's leading flag States and a strategic hub for global maritime trade, Panama brings to the IHO a privileged position, supported by its 50 ports, the Panama Canal and an extensive coastline of approximately 2,950 kilometers, along with an exclusive economic zone of nearly 210,000 square kilometers.
This meeting constitutes the main international forum for decision-making in the field of hydrography, nautical cartography and maritime information services.
The country's incorporation was highlighted by the IHO Director, Luigi Sinapi, who stressed that Panama's membership will strengthen navigational safety, the quality of nautical charts and the resilience of global maritime trade, while enhancing regional and international technical cooperation.
Through its membership, Panama will be able to actively contribute to the development and implementation of international hydrographic standards, including the S-100 model, which marks a transformation in how data is managed and used for modern navigation. It will also have the opportunity to participate in global initiatives such as Collaborative Bathymetry and the Seabed 2030 projects, aimed at mapping the ocean floor worldwide.
The administrator of the AMP has reiterated the institutional commitment to lead the development of a national roadmap, with short, medium and long term actions, that will allow Panama's active participation within the IHO to be consolidated.
Panama's accession to the IHO also comes at a time when it is strengthening its leadership in ocean and environmental governance. The country currently has 46 Marine Protected Areas and has announced that these will cover more than 54% of its national waters, surpassing global targets such as the 30x30 goal.
Additionally, Panama has been one of the first countries to ratify the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), reaffirming its commitment to the sustainability of the oceans.
With its participation for the first time in the IHO Assembly, Panama begins a new stage of technical cooperation, knowledge exchange and adoption of standards that will contribute to safer, more efficient and interoperable navigation at a global level.
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