Events

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WMU at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France 

From 9-13 June, the World Maritime University – Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (WMU-GOI) will participate in the high-level 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), taking place in Nice, France. Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, the Conference centers on the theme: “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.” As an official supporter, the WMU-GOI will co-host three side events in the official UNOC Green and Blue Zones as well as participate in other events and pavilions.

The 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC)

The 2025 UNOC aims to accelerate action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean and marine resources in line with Sustainable Development Goal 14. The Conference will gather governments, the UN system, intergovernmental organizations, financial institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities to drive meaningful ocean solutions.
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General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) Side Event

• 13 June
• 10:30 - 11:45 (CEST)
• UNOC 2025, Blue Zone, Room 4

The World Maritime University (WMU)-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI) is partnering on and will moderate the high level panel at the FAO GFCM side event "Accelerating sustainability, Transforming Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries and aquaculture." The event will highlight regional cooperation to transform fisheries and aquaculture in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, announce the GFCM Voluntary Ocean Commitment, and mobilize sustainability pledges from key stakeholders.

To learn more, click here
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WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute Side Event

• 13 June
• 16:00 - 16:45 (CEST)
• UNOC 2025, Green Zone, La Baleine, Room Orca

The World Maritime University (WMU)-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI) roundtable titled "Charting the Future: BBNJ and Ocean Governance Solutions for the Triple Planetary Crisis" will explore how the BBNJ Agreement can drive transformative ocean governance in response to the triple planetary crisis, with a focus on empowering SIDS and LDCs through inclusive policies, capacity development, and innovative, gender-responsive solutions to achieve SDG 14.

To register, click here

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Ocean Ambassador Workshop Space

• 13 June
• 13:15 - 16:00 (CEST)
• UNOC 2025, Green Zone, La Baleine, Workshop Atoll

The WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute will host an interactive workshop titled “Dive into Action: Uniting Ocean Ambassadors for a Sustainable Future” where ocean literacy meets creativity, empowering participants of all ages to become Ocean Ambassadors and drive action for a sustainable, resilient future in line with SDG 14.

To express your interest, click here

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Participation in Partner Events

In addition to co-hosting side events, WMU-GOI experts will contribute to several high-level partner sessions throughout the Conference:

• On 9 June at 15:00, at the MarViva Foundation Side Event: “The role of Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSA) as a crucial tool of ecosystem integrated management” in the UNOC Green Zone, La Baleine, Pavilion Beyond Borders (register here).
• On 10 June at 09:00, at the Lloyd’s Register Side event “Turning Ideas into Action – Championing the Role of Engineers in Building a Safe and Sustainable Ocean Economy” at Hotel Aston La Scala (register here). 
• On 10 June, at 13:00, at The Economist – World Ocean Initiative Side event “The crucial role of technology to restore ocean health”, at Hotel Aston La Scala (register here).
• On 10 June, at 13:00, at the UN DOALOS and UNNF Event on Capacity-building “Capacity Imperative for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea”, in the UNOC Green Zone, La Baleine (The Whale) (register here).
• On 11 June at 14:00, at the UN MSC Foundation Side Event “Ocean Stewardship from the Helm - Enhancing Ocean Literacy in Association with the Maritime Sector for Thriving Oceans and Healthy Reefs”, at the UNOC Green Zone, La Baleine (The Whale) (register here).

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If you will be attending the UN Ocean Conference 2025, please feel free to write to us at goievents@wmu.se to connect with the delegation onsite.

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About the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute

The World Maritime University’s WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI) is an independent focal point for the ocean science-policy-law-industry-society interface where policymakers, the scientific community, regulators, industry actors, academics, and representatives of civil society meet to discuss how best to manage and use ocean spaces and their resources in accordance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Institute was inaugurated in May 2018 and made possible through generous support from The Nippon Foundation of Japan, the Governments of Sweden, Canada, and Germany, as well as the City of Malmö. 

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About the Future Ocean Programme

The Future Ocean Programme is funded by The Nippon Foundation and aims to generate knowledge and understanding of how law, political science, and public policy are used to effect change in humanity’s relationship with the ocean to combat the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. 

For more information about the Future Ocean Programme visit the webpage https://futureocean.wmu.se/ 

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About the BBNJ Clinic Programme

The Ireland and WMU-GOI BBNJ Clinic is dedicated to supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and coastal Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in their efforts to ratify and implement the BBNJ Agreement. Effective and prompt implementation of the BBNJ Agreement is crucial for ocean sustainability and conservation and addressing global inequalities in access to ocean resources. SIDS, characterized as ‘large ocean states’ due to their geographical features and interconnection with and knowledge of ocean ecosystems, as well as coastal LDCs, are among the most significant beneficiaries of the Agreement and among the most important actors in contemporary ocean affairs. However, these States can face capacity and resource challenges in implementing the BBNJ Agreement. The Programme aims to fulfill both practical capacity development and hands-on educational mandates. WMU-GOI researchers and external experts, including the lead negotiators of the BBNJ intergovernmental conference, will lead the consultation process facilitated by the Clinic, and facilitate ratification and implementation procedures undertaken by legal advisors, government officials, and relevant stakeholders from SIDS and coastal LDCs. 

For more information about the Ireland WMU-GOI BBNJ Clinic Programme visit the webpage https://bbnjclinic.wmu.se/ 

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In 2010, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), designated 25 June as the International Day of the Seafarer as a way to recognize that almost everything that we use in our daily lives has been directly or indirectly affected by sea transport.

The purpose of the day is to give thanks to seafarers for their contribution to the world economy and the civil society; and for the risks and personal costs they bear while on their jobs.

Background

According to IMO's estimates, ships transport almost 90 percent of the world’s goods trade. Seafarers are not only responsible for the operations of such ships, but are also responsible for the safe and smooth delivery of the cargo.

The day not only acknowledges the invaluable work of seafarers, but also aims to bring global attention to the issues affecting their work and lives, such as piracy. It calls on governments to develop policies that lead to fair treatment of seafarers at ports, and asks private ship companies and owners to provide their employees proper facilities and comforts while they are at sea.

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World Maritime Day 2024

"Our ocean, our obligation, our opportunity" is the International Maritime Organization's 2025 World Maritime Day Theme. The theme showcases the deep interconnection of shipping and the International Maritime Organization in the ocean space, highlighting the importance of collaboration and coordination to ensure the sustainable and safe use of ocean resources.

About World Maritime Day

World Maritime Day was first held in 1978 to mark the 20th anniversary of the IMO Convention’s entry into force. Celebrations are held throughout the world to focus attention on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment, and to emphasize a particular aspect of IMO's work. World Maritime Day celebrations are usually held during the last week in September.

Since 2005, in addition to the official IMO celebrations held at IMO Headquarters in London, there has been a Parallel Event hosted by a Member State.
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To read more about World Maritime Day 2025, click here.

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As Malmö celebrates 250 years as a port city - together with Copenhagen Malmö Port, World Maritime University, and Union of the Baltic Cities- the City of Malmö warmly welcomes you to join this pivotal conference on Future-proofing Our Port Cities.

Since ancient times, the world's ports have played a crucial role in development, trade, and growth. Today, ports are not only central to 80% of global trade, but they also play a key role in building resilient communities and driving the green transition as foundations for sustainable growth.

At the same time, a changing climate and rising seas present new challenges for port cities worldwide, requiring them to evolve in harmony with the sea.

Through this conference, decision-makers and officials from all levels of government - local, regional and national - along with authorities, businesses, international stakeholders, and academia will jointly explore solutions to develop and future-proof our port cities, thereby enhancing their  attractiveness and sustainable growth, providing security across Sweden and beyond.

Conference Themes
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Theme 1: How we future-proof our port cities – growing cities in response to the sea
Many of our port cities in Sweden and around the world face the challenge of adapting to a rapidly changing climate. The first theme of the conference will address how we adapt our port cities to rising seas.

Theme 2: The role of ports for growth, the green transition, and as critical infrastructure.
The second theme of the conference focuses on the pivotal role of ports in driving innovation, ensuring supply security, supporting growth and, trade, and advancing the green transition. With Malmö as the starting point - celebrating its 250th anniversary as a port city - this theme brings together leading regional and international experts, along with representatives from ports, cities, authorities, and organizations actively working to transform and develop commercial ports into strong hubs for supply, growth, and the green energy transition – now and in the future.

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For more information and to register, click here.

On 24 October, United Nations Day is celebrated around the world. It is an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s work on behalf of humanity, including on urgent challenges such as alleviating poverty and hunger, defending human rights and addressing the need for bold climate action.

UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.

October 24 has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948. In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly recommended that the day be observed by Member States as a public holiday.

To learn more about United Nations Day, click here.

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Education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.

Without inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong opportunities for all, countries will not succeed in achieving gender equality and breaking the cycle of poverty that is leaving millions of children, youth and adults behind.

Today, 244 million children and youth are out of school, and 771 million adults are illiterate. Their right to education is being violated and it is unacceptable. It's time to transform education.

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March 8 is annually recognized as International Women's Day (IWD). It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. IWD has been observed since the early 1900s and was celebrated for the first time by the United Nations in 1975.

The WMU Women's Association (WMUWA) annually hosts an in-house lecture, based on the current theme, that is open to staff and students at WMU.

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