On 13 April, 2026, Mashariki Research and Policy Centre (MRPC) convened a virtual consultative meeting with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations mandated to ensure the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution from ships.

The meeting was chaired by MRPC Chief Executive Officer, Brig. (Rtd) Dr Robert Kabage, alongside IMO Regional Project Manager, Mr. Kiruja Micheni, and brought together representatives from both organizations.

Discussions focused on key thematic areas including maritime security, the blue economy, geopolitical mapping, early warning and response mechanisms, and climate security, with a view to strengthening action-oriented research and addressing emerging socio-economic vulnerabilities.

The engagement underscored the strong alignment between IMO’s leadership in global ocean governance and regulatory frameworks and MRPC’s expertise in foresight-driven approaches to conflict, geopolitics, and environmental security.