(NEWS) Historic Inauguration: Malmö Class of 2026 Reaches Gender Parity

September

2025

Historic Inauguration: Malmö Class of 2026 Reaches Gender Parity

The inauguration of the World Maritime University’s (WMU) Malmö MSc in Maritime Affairs Class of 2026 took place on 22 September in the Sasakawa Auditorium. The new cohort includes 132 students from 53 countries and, for the first time in the Malmö programme’s history, has achieved gender parity with 66 women and 66 men.

In his welcome remarks, WMU President, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., celebrated the historic achievement of gender parity in the Class of 2026 and welcomed the first WMU students from Botswana and Palau. Reflecting on his own experience as a WMU graduate, President Mejia underscored the strength of the University’s global alumni network, saying: “We all work together to build the infrastructure for sustainable development and increased prosperity for the whole world – the world that is connected by our life-blood, the oceans.”

In a pre-recorded address, Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Chancellor of WMU and Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) spoke of the unique opportunity WMU offers to become part of a global community and family dedicated to advancing maritime and ocean affairs for the benefit of all. He challenged the students to deepen their expertise, explore new ideas, and engage across cultures, embracing every challenge as an opportunity to grow, and build bonds that go beyond the classroom. “The relationships you form here will shape not only your career but the leader you become,” said Chancellor Dominguez.

Dr Marina Papaioannou, Regional Maritime Academies Manager for DNV’s Region Southeast Europe, Greece was the guest speaker. She compared the World Maritime University to shipping—borderless, connecting continents, cultures, and communities. She described shipping as the “invisible thread that weaves the fabric of our global economy,” and similarly, the World Maritime University brings people from around the world to engage together in harmony. This, she noted, reflects the true strength of the maritime industry.

Professor Daniel Moon, Vice President and Provost, welcomed the students and introduced the Heads of each Specialization and respective faculty members, noting that the faculty and staff as a team can be relied on to support the students during their time at WMU. Professor Moon highlighted that the incoming class includes 60 students from Africa, 46 from Asia, 19 from the Americas, 4 from Oceania, and 3 from Europe, with strong delegations from Nigeria, China, and Indonesia. Music for the event was provided by the Carlberg Heijkenskjöld Duo.

A WMU gender parity record of 50/50 was first set in the Class of 2019 International Transport and Logistics (ITL) MSc specialization delivered in partnership with Shanghai Maritime University in Shanghai, China. Gender parity was successively reached in the Class of 2022 Maritime Safety and Environmental Management (MSEM) specialization delivery in partnership with Dalian Maritime University in Dalian, China.

About the Malmö MSc in Maritime Affairs

The 14-month MSc in Maritime Affairs programme in Malmö was established in 1983. It emphasizes the practical application of expertise, offering both an overview of the complex, inter-related maritime and ocean fields, as well as the opportunity to specialize. The programme is designed to respond directly to the real needs of the maritime industry, and to equip graduates with the skills needed today and in the future. It is academically challenging and professionally oriented, and is designed for ambitious, mid-career maritime professionals. It provides a particularly strong foundation for those intending to move into either a national or an international career. To learn more about the Malmö MSc in Maritime Affairs, click here.

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