(NEWS) United Nations Day 2024

October

2024

United Nations Day 2024

On the occasion of UN Day 2024, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., President of the World Maritime University (WMU), provided the following message:

“Annually, on 24 October, United Nations (UN) Day provides the opportunity to reflect on the founding principles of the UN that aim to enshrine the equal rights of all people and maintain peace. International cooperation is essential in achieving these ideals, and is vital to the maritime industry.

Shipping transcends borders, connecting nations and peoples through the transportation of goods and services across the globe. With over 80 percent of world trade transported by sea, the role of shipping in the global supply chain—and its impact on the daily lives of people everywhere—is undeniably vital.

The maritime industry is a testament to collaboration, interconnecting economies and societies with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and cultures. It fosters partnerships that enhance trade, promote sustainable practices, and drive technological innovation.

The World Maritime University is proud to be a member of the United Nations family, and to play a significant role in supporting global cooperation within the maritime and oceans sectors. We are dedicated to upholding the principles of the UN, consistently working to strengthen maritime and ocean capacity through education, professional training, and research, in support of sustainable development.

True to the UN spirit, our Malmö MSc programme welcomes students from over 50 countries each year, where they not only receive world-class maritime and oceans education but also engage in cross-cultural understanding. This rich and diverse environment offers a transformative experience, benefiting our students both personally and professionally, and ultimately strengthening the maritime industry, and global trade, as a whole.

As we navigate the complexities of global challenges, such as climate change, economic disparity, and conflict, cooperation has become even more crucial. On United Nations Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to fostering collaboration among nations as well as individuals, and recognize the shared responsibilities we all hold in ensuring a safe, secure, and sustainable future for humanity and our planet.”

About United Nations Day
United Nations Day, on 24 October, marks the anniversary of the 1945 entry into force of the United Nations (UN) Charter. UN Day has been celebrated annually since 1948, and is an opportunity to reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as an international treaty which codifies the basic tenets of international relations from the sovereign equality of states to prohibition of the use of force in any manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

Established within the framework of the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, WMU’s mission is to be the world centre of excellence in postgraduate maritime and oceans education, professional training and research, while building global capacity and promoting sustainable development.

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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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I chose the World Maritime University for my PhD studies in Maritime Affairs because of several reasons, including its academic reputation and strong postgraduate degrees in maritime and ocean science-related programmes, a range of international modules, and the diverse group of students and faculty members. WMU is in Sweden, one of the EU countries with the best gender equality ranking worldwide. As a woman in marine science who faced several challenges in the industry, I was mainly attracted to the Empowering Women for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development programme offered at the university. This unique programme aims to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in ocean science to increase women’s participation in ocean science and advance the sustainable management and governance of ocean spaces and maritime activities at all levels through capacity building.

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