The Inuit Circumpolar Council becomes the first Indigenous Peoples organization to gain permanent consultative status at the International Maritime OrganizationJuly 11, 2025London, United Kingdom – This week, the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) gained permanent consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO)- the first Indigenous Peoples organization to be granted this status in the history of the IMO. For an NGO to gain permanent consultative status at the IMO, they must meet certain criteria, including the ability to contribute new expertise. Organizations with consultative status can actively participate in the workings of the IMO by attending IMO meetings, submitting documents, and providing expert feedback and advice. “The Inuit Circumpolar Council has been an exemplary observer organization at the IMO for several years, providing knowledge and perspectives that have strengthened Arctic marine safety and protection. The Inuit Circumpolar Council is at the forefront of solutions that center Indigenous Knowledge for the long-term health of the Arctic marine environment.