Malmö Montessori School Students Learn About WMU

On 9 February, President Doumbia-Henry welcomed grade 9 students from the Malmö Montessori School to WMU. Malmö Montessori has arranged an annual visit to WMU for over a decade to learn about the University and to meet with WMU students from countries around the world. This year, 28 students visited the University and met with 15 WMU students from 15 different countries. 

In welcoming the group, President Doumbia-Henry explained how WMU fits within the United Nations system and the importance of shipping and the oceans to the global economy. The students were impressed to learn that over 90 per cent of world trade is transported by ships. Because of shipping, the food we eat, the clothes we wear and all the other amenities and goods we take for granted would be much more expensive and even not be available. She asked the students to also think about the fact that the oceans do not belong to one nation but instead to the whole world. Unless we care for the oceans, she said, there will be more plastics than fish in the ocean and coastal erosion that cannot be reversed. Dr Doumbia-Henry emphasized the International Maritime Organization’s key role in establishing maritime regulations and standards that apply to all countries.

“It is a pleasure to welcome young and bright minds to WMU. It is so important for young people to understand how much the global economy relies on shipping, which is the most fuel-efficient means of transporting cargo. It is also important that our young people understand the importance of conserving and sustainably using the oceans. Meeting with WMU students from around the world is a privilege. With more than 4,300 graduates from 166 countries, WMU is making a significant contribution in support of the global economy and sustainable development,” stated the President.

After the introduction to WMU, the visitors had the opportunity to interview the WMU students about their maritime careers, their home countries and their experiences of living in Sweden.