(NEWS) Joint UNOC 2022 Side Event - Empowering Women: An Ocean of Opportunities in Science, Policy and Blue Economy

July

2022

Joint UNOC 2022 Side Event - Empowering Women: An Ocean of Opportunities in Science, Policy and Blue Economy

From 27 June to 1 July, the second United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) took place in Lisbon, Portugal with the overarching theme "Scaling up ocean action based on science and innovation for the implementation of Goal 14: stocktaking, partnerships and solutions". Co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, the Conference included high-level government talks with representatives of 120 countries — including 24 Heads of State — as well as sanctioned side events, and 6,000 total participants from UN Agencies, international organizations, NGOs, and civil society to address many of the deep-rooted problems and concerns relating to the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean. Discussions included major structural transformations and common shared solutions that are anchored in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) as well as much needed science-based innovative solutions aimed at starting a new chapter of global ocean action.

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Joint Side Event on Empowering Women - An Ocean of Opportunities

WMU partnered with leading agencies to host an official side event titled ‘Empowering Women: An Ocean of Opportunities in Science, Policy and Blue Economy’ that took place in the Conference Blue Zone on 28 June. The primary co-sponsors of the Side Event were the World Maritime University–Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute; International Maritime Organization; International Seabed Authority; Government of Antigua and Barbuda; Sailors for the Sea Japan; and Leading Women for the Ocean.

The aim of the side event was to contribute to the thematic interactive dialogues - topic 8 of the UN Ocean Conference, namely leveraging interlinkages between Sustainable Development Goal 14 Life Below Water and Goal 5 Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls.

By advocating for increasing women’s participation and leadership at all levels, the high level interventions highlighted how to maximize human potential and presented the added value of women’s representation in sustainability and ocean conservation, and human resources management, efficiency and sufficiency. The side event also emphasized the importance of establishing a wide range of dynamic partnerships to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean and its resources for the benefit of all humankind.

High-Level Remarks were moderated by Professor Ronán Long, Director of the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute, with interventions from:

Maria Damanaki, Founder of Leading Women for the Ocean, and Former EU Commissioner for Maritime and Fisheries
H.E. Kitack Lim, Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization (IMO)
H.E. Michael W. Lodge, Secretary-General, International Seabed Authority (ISA)
Minako Iue, Chair and CEO, Sailors for the Sea Japan
Honourable Athill Dean Jonas, Minister of Social Transformation, Human Resource Development and the Blue Economy, Government of Antigua and Barbuda
Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President, World Maritime University (WMU).

The on-site side event included nearly 150 participants and featured senior representatives from national governments, international organizations, research institutions, private philanthropy in the field of women’s empowerment and leadership for ocean affairs, as well as non-governmental organizations, early career professionals and civil society representatives.

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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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