The International Maritime Security Working Group (IMSWG), formed by the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Institute, is the Institute’s flagship forum focused on stimulating dialogue and policy innovation aimed at addressing maritime security and safety concerns in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) region. The IMSWG forum is notable as a knowledge exchange and research network on regional issues while keeping an eye on the pulse of international perspectives.

Made up of experts from government, industry, private sector, universities, research institutions and diplomatic community in ocean governance practice, the forum occasionally engages in exchanging ideas and making salient recommendations for heads of organizations and policymakers to comprehensively deepen reforms and strategy development, actively promote maritime safety development, and build communal consensus for social and economic prosperity. IMSWG is also governed by the Chatham House Rule: a rule or principle according to which information disclosed during a meeting may be reported by those present, but the source of that information may not be explicitly or implicitly identified.

In each forum, members and participants are engaged in in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics under the theme, and offer suggestions for the promotion and development of ocean governance and the sustainable blue economy. These discussions are available in reports and recommendations on the Institute’s website and serve as a repository for policymakers and institutions working on maritime safety development in the Gulf of Guinea region.