Events

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The WMU Maritime Affairs Conference serves as a vital platform for open dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaboration among experts from industry, academia, and policymaking communities, with a focus on the intersection of technology, regulation, and policy to generate practical and academic outcomes that support a more sustainable and innovative maritime future.

In 2026, the conference focus is on translating maritime transformation into practice amid accelerating regulatory, technological, and environmental change. Under the theme Transforming Shipping in Practice: Decarbonization, Digitalization, and Arctic Navigation, the Conference will explore the practical interaction of technology, regulation, and policy to address key challenges shaping the future of shipping.

By bringing together experts from industry, academia, and government, the Conference seeks to develop actionable insights, strengthen capacity, and support practical solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information and to register, click here.

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World Maritime Day 2026

"From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence" has been selected as the IMO’s World Maritime Day theme for 2026 and 2027, culminating in the annual celebration on the final Thursday of September.

For the first time, the theme will run for two years, highlighting IMO’s clear commitment to put policies into practice, by providing technical assistance, training and other essential services.

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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 2026, click here.

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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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