(NEWS) International Day of Education 2024 - Learning for Lasting Peace

January

2024

International Day of Education 2024 - Learning for Lasting Peace

The sixth International Day of Education, commemorated on 24 January 2024, falls under the theme of “learning for lasting peace”. The theme aligns with the capacity building mission of the World Maritime University (WMU) that includes high quality education, research, and capacity-building opportunities that are rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and support cross-cultural learning and understanding.

In recognition of the International Day of Education, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, WMU President, provided the following message:

“In today’s world, the transformative power of education is more important than ever. Education can cut across borders, gender, race, religion, and politics to act as a catalyst for harmony and lasting peace. It enables learners to become agents of change in their communities, fostering a culture of understanding, empathy, and cooperation. As we celebrate this International Day of Education, let us focus on what can be achieved when we work together, respecting differences, and supporting one another.

Education is not only a right; it is a global responsibility to empower individuals to contribute actively to a world free from strife. WMU, as a center of excellence for maritime and oceans education, is committed to UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 - Quality Education. Our students, hailing from diverse backgrounds, engage in transformative learning, fostering cross-cultural understanding and international cooperation.

Investing in quality education is investing in a peaceful and sustainable future for all. Every contribution, big or small, plays a role. Therefore, on this International Day of Education, I take the opportunity to encourage all maritime and oceans stakeholders to consider how they can contribute to the transformational education taking place at WMU. We are grateful for the support of maritime and oceans stakeholders who fund fellowships, contribute to the University’s endowment fund, engage with WMU on research, and provide visiting lecturers or conference speakers. With their valuable engagement, the University can continue to build maritime and ocean capacity in support of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Together, through education, we can be agents of change in advancing a sustainable and peaceful future for all.”

As the International Maritime Organization’s apex institution for postgraduate maritime and ocean education, the United Nations General Assembly, in its Resolutions on Ocean and Law of the Sea, continues each year to recognize WMU as a centre of excellence for maritime and ocean education, research, scholarship and capacity-building. In the maritime context, education and training play a vital role for safe, secure and sustainable maritime and ocean development. WMU is committed to contributing to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 - Quality Education, by educating future maritime leaders, policy-makers and stewards of maritime and oceans sustainable development. WMU is positioned and willing to assist and support, to the greatest extent possible, the capacity-building efforts of all relevant and well-meaning stakeholders through enhanced and life-long maritime/oceans education and training.

About the International Day of Education
In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 24 January the International Day of Education, in celebration of the important role of education for the attainment of global peace and sustainable development. United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education - is across-cutting goal and a primary driver for the achievement of all 17 UNSDGs. Its primary aim is to ensure inclusive, equitable and high-quality education and to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Education is a human right that contributes to individual and societal growth and prosperity and plays a key role in shaping the future of humanity and the planet.

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

My decision to enroll in the doctoral program at WMU was heavily influenced by my prior experience as a Master's student at the institution. Initially introduced to me as a preeminent global institution for maritime education, WMU's stellar reputation was further substantiated by the exceptional quality of education I received during my Master’s studies. This experience became a compelling factor in my determination to return to WMU as a doctoral student. Recognizing the synergies between my research aspirations and the institutional offerings at WMU, I concluded that continuing my educational journey at this esteemed institution was not only beneficial but also aligned perfectly with my academic and professional goals.

My research explored the theoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis on maritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the study conducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritime governance—specifically, the implementation of International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affect the implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, the research aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmly anchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling the intricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMO instruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivated by a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies in maritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of a scarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in the existing body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration, underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area of maritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarly research.

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Embarking on my professional path, my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritime governance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the global maritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by a passionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritime domain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly to positive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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