(NEWS) WMU Contributes to OECS Sustainable Development Movement 2020 Summit

September

2020

WMU Contributes to OECS Sustainable Development Movement 2020 Summit

Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of the World Maritime University (WMU), delivered a video message to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Sustainable Development Movement (SDM) 2020 Summit that took place 22 to 24 September. The Summit brought together Senior Government Officials, Industry and Private Sector Leaders, Global Entrepreneurs and Civil Society to exchange thoughts, best practices and strategies concerning sustainable growth and development within the Caribbean.

Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of the World Maritime University (WMU), delivers a video message to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Sustainable Development Movement (SDM) 2020 Summit

In her remarks for the SDM Blue Economy Investors’ Roundtable, President Doumbia-Henry noted her personal connection to the Caribbean, growing up in Dominica. She spoke of the special connection Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have with the ocean, which provides both crucial services as well as enormous challenges.

Showcasing some of WMU’s work in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region, she highlighted the new “Closing the Circle” programme focused on Marine Debris, Sargassum and Marine Spatial Planning in the Eastern Caribbean, which is underway at the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute. The programme is funded by The Nippon Foundation and is aimed at human resource development in the Eastern Caribbean region through research, training and capacity-building. Through a competitive process, six PhD candidates have joined the 3-year programme, five from the CARICOM region and one from Sweden.

“Through research on technological innovations, blue growth and ocean literacy, the Closing the Circle project intends to analyse the possibilities for economic development and to enhance greater awareness about the ocean. Moreover, recent studies from the region have shown that properly implemented marine spatial planning can increase production value as well as generate new employment opportunities in the blue economy,” said President Doumbia-Henry.

The programme is developed in close collaboration with some of the key stakeholders in the region including the University of the West Indies Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies (UWI CERMES), the OECS Commission, CARICOM, UNEP’s Caribbean Environment Programme (CEP), OECS member States, and representative organizations of civil society.

During the lively deliberations at the Investors’ Roundtable, the Director of the WMU-Global Ocean Institute, Professor Ronan Long, outlined the extensive consultations that inform the design and delivery of the programme. He also emphasized that education and research are two vital catalysts that will contribute to sustainable economic growth of the OECS region through this novel initiative. ‍

About OECS‍

The OECS is an International Inter-governmental Organization dedicated to regional integration in the Eastern Caribbean. It is a cooperation of Countries who signed the Treaty of Basseterre to work together for common interests including peace, stability and wealth. The OECS Commission has 5 Strategic Objectives on key aspects of Regional Integrations, Resilience, Social Equity, Foreign Policy, Improving and Strengthening the Commission in delivering its mandate.
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About WMU‍

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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To view President Doumbia-Henry's full video message, click here.

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Professor Ronan Long, Director of the WMU-Global Ocean Institute, outlined the extensive consultations that inform the design and delivery of the Closing the Circle programme.

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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.

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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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Post-graduation, my professional trajectory, initially aimed singularly at university teaching in Grenada, has evolved to include curricula development on marine conservation topics at various educational levels, aspiring to inspire the next generation. While my zeal for academia remains steadfast, my aspirations have broadened to encompass policy advocacy. My research, highlighting the striking linkages between marine litter and the overarching climate crisis, has fortified my resolve to employ these insights toward tangible change. Now, as I pivot towards a more policy-oriented role, I aim to work collaboratively with policymakers. My focus will be on underlining the Caribbean's unique environmental challenges, advocating for climate compensation, and concurrently influencing educational approaches on marine issues.

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WMU's unwavering commitment to maritime education, coupled with its resolute emphasis on bridging the realms of academia and industry, deeply resonated with me. It became evident that WMU was the perfect crucible for my transformation from a career entrenched in maritime operations to one flourishing within academia. The University's storied tradition of nurturing and producing experts and leaders within the maritime sector further solidified its standing as the ideal choice for my educational pursuits.Furthermore, WMU's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to maritime studies served as an irresistible attraction.

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Upon graduation, I was awarded a prestigious research fellowship in sustainability, energy, and the pursuit of net-zero emissions within the maritime industry at the esteemed University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. This exciting opportunity marks the next phase of my academic and maritime journey. I remain passionately committed to continuing my exploration of academia and the maritime sector, building upon the invaluable knowledge and experience I acquired during my time at WMU. My primary objective is to contribute significantly to the advancement of the zero-emission maritime industry, a pivotal and transformative sector within our global community.

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