At the Global Maritime Forum’s Annual Summit in New York, young maritime professionals discussed what actions need to be taken for the maritime industry to attract future generations. Improving human sustainability will be imperative to help the industry appeal to and retain future talent – an issue increasingly pressing for the resiliency of the entire maritime value chain.
As an extension to this year’s Future Maritime Leaders essay competition, the Global Maritime Forum recently hosted a youth seminar, bringing together the top 30 essay writers from 2022, and previous years’ winners. The young participants stressed the following six areas where improvement is needed
The maritime industry must start actively engaging with and investing in the next generation of seafarers if it wants to keep supply chains intact over the next decades. Young people today are very dynamic, empowered and are genuinely passionate about using their talents to create a positive impact. They will go where they feel valued, respected, and inspired, so the maritime industry needs to step up,
…says Camille Simbulan, Special Projects and Communications Head, Associated Marine Officer’s and Seamen’s Union, Philippines.
In May 2022, the Global Maritime Forum launched the All Aboard Alliance, a platform for collaborative action to make the maritime industry more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. One of the major challenges is the fact that Gen Z and Millennials are expected to make up more than 70% of the total workforce by 2030, making it crucial that the industry listens when they raise their voices, says Susanne Justesen, Project Director, Human Sustainability at the Global Maritime Forum.
This year’s Future Maritime Leaders essay competition asked participants to reflect on what key issues and challenges the maritime industry must overcome to improve its approach to human sustainability.
