During the 50th anniversary celebration of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association UK (WISTA UK), His Excellency Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), emphasized the importance of diversity in maritime.
The event, which included an insightful conference and a grand evening reception, brought together industry leaders, members, and supporters to honour achievements and set the stage for future advancements.
Enhancing the role of women in everything that we do is essential. With continued support of all allies and the media, we can achieve even greater progress together.
The conference started with a welcome by Monica Kohli, President of WISTA UK, followed by a welcome address by His Excellency Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
As explained, the opening session, titled “Nurturing Diverse Voices in Maritime Media,” addressed how media can aid women in enhancing their visibility. The discussions underscored the need for diverse representation, featuring stories from various backgrounds, including women, trans, and non-binary individuals. Panelists also delved into the obstacles women face in the industry, such as fear of failure and reluctance to leave their comfort zones. They emphasized the importance of overcoming these fears to achieve both personal and professional growth.
The second session, “ESG, to or not to be?” thoroughly examined the current state of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.
The third session, “Navigating Alternative Fuel Options for Decarbonisation Risks and Hazards – What’s the Fuel?” this discussion highlighted future fuels and the industry’s decarbonisation amidst evolving regulations like the EU ETS and FuelEU. The panel emphasised the need for accurate data and proactive planning in shipping’s digitalisation. It concluded with a call for the IMO to provide global regulations on ESG, fuel standards, and reporting requirements.
The conference concluded with a closing address from Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping. He congratulated WISTA UK on their significant work in promoting maritime diversity. He discussed the ICS’s efforts to bring more women into seafaring roles, especially given the predicted shortage of 90,000 seafarers.
To remind, an interview with Guy Platten during the Posidonia exhibition in Athens from June 3-7, 2024, offered his view about different topics.
