WMU Commits to UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda
On 25 September, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that includes a bold set of Global Goals. The 17 goals and their targets are intended to guide the global efforts to end poverty, promote prosperity and well-being for all, protect the environment and address climate change.
WMU President, Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, stated, “As part of the United Nations family, WMU is committed to supporting the 2030 Agenda and Global Goals to transform our world. The global maritime and ocean education that WMU provides will sustainably contribute, in an environmentally responsible way, to safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans in support of the maritime industry as an engine of world trade and as a leader in sustainable development. The WMU has been mandated to help countries implement the relevant goals of the 2030 SDG agenda by its governing bodies and the IMO Council. We will ensure that our education, capacity building and research strategy help maritime and ocean constituents, including those involved in deep-sea mining and energy production and transport, are equipped to effectively implement these goals and targets. As of its 2016 academic year, WMU is offering two new Masters of Science specializations in: Ocean Sustainability, Governance and Management and Maritime Energy Management.”
Through its well established education, capacity building and research agenda and recognizing that all the goals are interrelated and indivisible, WMU will contribute directly and tangibly to the implementation of the following Global Goals:
Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Since 1983, WMU has contributed to postgraduate education and professional development opportunities for individuals around the globe, in particular from developing countries including small island developing countries, and that ongoing effort will continue.
Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Through education, WMU will contribute to the elimination of discrimination against women and further the equality and empowerment of women and ensure their full and effective participation with equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.
Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
WMU will support achieving a sustainable and energy efficient maritime and ocean industry through maritime and ocean energy management as well as alternative forms of marine and ocean energy to provide affordable, reliable and sustainable modern energy for all.
Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Through education and research, WMU will support the upgrading of infrastructure such as ships, ports and retrofit industries as well as other components of the transport supply chain, to make them sustainable and more efficient through the adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
By educating the future leaders who will integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning, WMU will specifically support the targets related to improving education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.
Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
WMU will continue to support international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources. Further, the University will integrate ocean-related matters across all of its degree and other programmes and provide education focused on the reduction of marine pollution, sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems, minimizing ocean acidification, regulating harvesting and ending overfishing, conserving coastal and marine areas, increasing scientific knowledge through research capacity and transfer marine technology.
Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development
WMU will support the targets focused on capacity-building and trade aimed at significantly increasing the exports by developing countries.
Along with the IMO Study on the Financial Sustainability of WMU that was adopted by the Board of Governors this past May, the Global Goals will guide the way forward for the University as it continues to build an exceptional global network of maritime and ocean professionals who will play key roles in their home countries as part of the IMO and the United Nations family.
For more information about the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda click here.
For more information about the new WMU Masters of Science specializations in: Ocean Sustainability, Governance and Management and Maritime Energy Management click here.
