Elpi Petraki was re-elected as President of WISTA International during the AGM and Conference in Cyprus, which celebrated the organization’s 50th anniversary.
Alongside her, committee members Jemilat Mahamah, Raimah Chowdhury, and Dafne Anghelidis were also re-elected, demonstrating a commitment to continuity and strong leadership within the organization. WISTA expressed its appreciation for the Executive Committee’s hard work and dedication over the past year.
Talking the talk on diversity and inclusion is good, but walking the walk will bring better reward
… Elpi Petraki had explained in her recent article, adding that to truly start changing behaviours and mindsets, we need to practice what we preach; words are not enough if we want to bring about real cultural change for the good of the maritime industry and society as a whole. Furthermore, in an exclusive interview with SAFETY4SEA during Posidonia 2024, Petraki had highlighted that recent changes have begun to reshape the landscape in the maritime industry, making it more attractive to new talent.
The conference, held in Cyprus and organized by WISTA Cyprus President Natalia Bury Loyal, featured keynotes from notable figures, including Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis, and IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. WISTA extended gratitude to all speakers for their valuable contributions.
During the conference, WISTA announced the addition of three new national associations (NWAs) from China, Honduras, and Costa Rica, bringing the global total to 62. Additionally, a new Equity Fund was established to provide financial support to national associations facing economic challenges.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, along with IMO Director of Legal Affairs Dorota Lost-Siemińska and Women in Maritime Programme focal point Mariana Noceti, highlighted the urgent need for meaningful change. They advocated for increased representation and opportunities for women in maritime, reinforcing WISTA’s mission to empower women and foster collaboration across genders.
