(NEWS) President Doumbia-Henry Selected for Lloyd’s List Top 100

December

2021

President Doumbia-Henry Selected for Lloyd’s List Top 100

Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of the World Maritime University (WMU) has been selected for the 2021 Lloyd’s List Top 100 annual ranking of the most influential people in shipping.

President Doumbia-Henry is the first female President of WMU, as well as the first from a developing country. Prior to joining WMU in mid-2015, she served in a number of capacities at the International Labour Organization (ILO), culminating in her role as Director of the International Labour Standards Department. During her 30-year long service at the ILO, she was responsible for spearheading the consolidation of 68 out of 72 ILO Conventions and related Recommendations into a single instrument - Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC), which has already been amended three times. The MLC is today a flagship instrument protecting seafarers’ rights, including during the COVID-19 pandemic with over 200,000 seafarers still remaining captive at sea.

Dr. Doumbia-Henry has taken WMU forward since she joined it in 2015. She has expanded the university’s programmes, increased its student intake, established the Global Ocean Institute within the university and enhanced its visibility. She remains a strong advocate for seafarers’ rights, and has written many articles on the subject. She has been championing the efforts to recognize seafarers as “key workers”. They are responsible for moving 90% of world trade and have continued to undertake their functions during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, thereby enabling the global supply chain to remain open.

To access the 2021 Lloyd’s List Top 100, click here.

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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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