(NEWS) City of Malmö Welcome Dinner, 2016

October

2016

City of Malmö Welcome Dinner, 2016

The annual City of Malmö Welcome Dinner for the incoming students was held on 12 October in the Old City Hall. Close to 350 guests were in attendance including current students and their families, host families, and WMU faculty and staff.

Mr. Kent Andersson, Mayor of Malmö, Chairman of the Malmö City Council, and WMU Governor, welcomed the guests to the historic Old City Hall. Chairman Andersson noted the honor of hosting WMU in Malmö and the contribution the University makes to the local community, which includes residents from over 170 different countries. Further, Chairman Andersson expressed appreciation that WMU contributes to the City of Malmö in the true spirit of the United Nations, fostering cross-cultural understanding and also supporting the vital global shipping industry.

WMU Vice President Academic, Professor Neil Bellefontaine, thanked Chairman Andersson and the City for their ongoing support of the University, noting the exceptional new University premises provided by the City of Malmö and inaugurated in April of 2015. He further noted that the City is renowned for its focus on sustainability. The City is currently actively engaged in discussions of how to fully embrace local implementation of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Newly elected Student Council President for the Class of 2017, Mr. Mohamed Said S.H. Rowihil from Egypt, commented on the extraordinary privilege to study at WMU in such a welcoming and beautiful city. He acknowledged the honour and responsibility placed on WMU students as future maritime leaders. He also noted that he and his classmates would take full advantage of the opportunity to study at WMU as well as learn about Sweden which will include the opportunity to interact with host families.

The Welcome Dinner is the occasion when the new students are introduced to their local host families. WMU organizes the host family programme to help foster contact with, and insight into, Swedish culture. Each host family is matched with one or two students who are invited to their host’s home during the 14-month programme of study at WMU. Many of the relationships fostered result in lifelong friendships that are maintained after the students graduate and return home.

The City of Malmö has been WMU’s host city since the University was founded in 1983 and has always generously provided the University’s facilities. When it became apparent the University had outgrown its facilities, the City offered the Old Harbour Master’s Building as a new home for WMU, and through an architectural competition selected a dramatic extension wing completed by the renowned Danish architect Kim Utzon in collaboration with the Australian architecture firm of Terroir Architects. The extraordinary new facilities have been awarded the 2015 Region Skåne Architecture Prize as well as the City of Malmö’s highest architecture prize. The new building is currently shortlisted for a World Architecture Festival Award.

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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.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of my educational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections with influential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of the globe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an international scale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also served as a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding of different perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantly to my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networking and has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within the Caribbean region from which I hail.

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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