(NEWS) WMU Graduation Ceremony 2023

October

2023

WMU Graduation Ceremony 2023

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On 28 October, the maritime and oceans leaders of tomorrow graduated from the World Maritime University (WMU). The Class of 2023 has received the education required to contribute to maritime and ocean issues in their home countries and more broadly to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The graduating class includes 283 graduates from 71 countries, and sets a record of 99 women graduates at 35 percent.

WMU President, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., delivered welcome remarks. As a WMU graduate himself, President Mejia reflected on the power of the WMU experience and how it affects the way one thinks, works, plans, and interacts. Addressing the graduates he said, “You have certainly acquired information that you did not possess before you enrolled here. Perhaps more importantly for your future in the international maritime world, you have acquired a real and strong network on which you can rely for decades to come.”

In his graduation address, HE Mr Kitack Lim, the first WMU graduate to serve as International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General and WMU Chancellor, thanked the City of Malmö and the Government of Sweden for their continued generosity and support in hosting the University, as well as the many donors for their ongoing commitment to the WMU mission and its sustainability. Addressing the graduates directly, he said, “Collectively, WMU graduates form a formidable international network, a force for good in the world. Your influence as global citizens, educated in a unique environment, will extend far beyond what you can envision today.”

On behalf of the City of Malmö, Ms Carina Nilsson, Mayor and Chairperson of the Malmö City Council addressed the gathering and expressed the City’s pride in hosting the University. She noted that one of the greatest strengths of WMU is its diverse community, and as a diverse City with over 180 nationalities, Malmö is a fitting home for WMU. She wished the graduates well, saying, “When you take the next step in your careers, keep in mind that success is not solely measured by accomplishments and titles. True success lies in making a positive impact, contributing to the greater good. The maritime industry plays a vital role in today’s global world. Each one of you has the power to make a positive impact on this industry, and therefore, the world itself.”

Professor Myron Nordquist was awarded Doctor of Science honoris causa. Dr Nordquist is a renowned international law scholar in maritime law, the law of the sea and ocean policy. His greatest achievements are associated with strengthening the rule of law as it applies to international navigation rights and freedoms, as well as the role of the International Maritime Organization in maritime and ocean affairs. He shared with the gathering highlights of his career path that spans over 50 years of focusing on the Law of the Sea, and that included establishing the Center for Oceans Law and Policy at the University of Virginia School of Law which has become one of the world’s premier academic institutions for the study of maritime law, ocean law and policy. Dr Nordquist has been a long standing supporter of the WMU, and he thanked the University for the esteemed award.

Mr Donghyeog Seo (Republic of Korea), President of the Student Council for the Class of 2023, gave remarks on behalf of the graduating Class. He thanked the City of Malmö, donors, WMU faculty and staff, host families, and field study hosts for their support. Addressing his classmates, he said, “The most precious legacy I gained from WMU was not a grade, not a dissertation, not a diploma. It was you. It’s the precious memories made with all of you…We held each other's hands, and completed this journey.”

Of the 283 graduates, 123 are from the Malmö MSc programme, and 81 graduates from the China programme, making a total number of 204 MSc graduates in 2023. The Class also includes a record number of ten PhD graduates that also represent a record in terms of gender with seven women, one MPhil graduate and 68 graduates from the distance learning programmes including seven LLM graduates. The 2023 graduation ceremony brings the total number of WMU graduates to 6,090 from 170 countries and territories.

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AWARDS PRESENTED AT THE CEREMONY

Honorary Fellow Awards

Captain Ian Finley, Permanent Representative of the Cook Islands to the International Maritime Organization and a member of the Board of Governors since 2018, who has been actively involved in the work of the Organization.

Mr Jeffrey Lantz, a former Chair of the IMO Council and the Head of Delegation of the USA to IMO. He has served as a member of the Board of Governors since March 2012.

Dr Anita Mäkinen, Alternate Permanent Representative of Finland to the IMO and Chief Advisor of the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, who has offered continuous and significant support to the University over the years, as well as an immense contribution to IMO and its mission.

Mr Brian Orrell OBE, Chair of the Advisory Board of Seafarers’ Rights International, Trustee of the International Transport Workers’ Federation Seafarers’ Trust, and consultant to the ITF, a stalwart supporter of the University and its mission.

Mr Torben Skaanild, Chair of WMU’s Executive Board from 2010 to 2019 and previously Secretary-General of BIMCO, who has had a long and distinguished international career in the shipping industry.

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Outstanding Alumni Awards

Ms Judith Enaw of Cameroon who served as the Secretary General of the International Commission of the Congo-Oubangui-Sangha Basin (CICOS) from 2016 to 2023. Judith was the first female President of the WMU Student Council. Always proud to be a WMU alumna, she has demonstrated great professional distinction in the maritime field throughout her career since graduating in 2000.

Dr Sajid Hussain of Bangladesh who graduated in 1998. He has been an active member of the Board of Governors since October 2013. He was Commandant of the Bangladesh Marine Academy, and is the President of the Friends of WMU Bangladesh.

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Annual Student Awards

The Chancellor's Medal for Academic Excellence for the MSc in Maritime Affairs 2023 was awarded to Mr Rahul Lodhi (India). The C P Srivastava Award for International Fellowship, was awarded to Ms. Teona Khabeishvili (Georgia). Mr. Sergii Kazantsev (Ukraine) received the Richard Charvet Scholarship for the best student specializing in Maritime Law and Policy, Mr Harsh Bhagirath Buch (India) received the Richard Charvet Scholarship for the best student of the Master of Laws in International Maritime Law. The Lloyd’s Maritime Academy Distance Learning Prize was awarded to Mr. Ajay Thoothamkalathil Peethambaran (India). The Lloyd’s Maritime Academy Dissertation Prize was awarded to Mr Eslam Ramadan Badry Gad (Egypt). The Schlüter Foundation Dissertation Prize for an outstanding dissertation in the field of Shipping and Marine Environmental Protection was awarded to Mr Anthony Cuevas (Philippines), and the Secretary-General’s Prize for best dissertation was awarded to Ms Margie Mataac (Philippines).

For 2023, the Specialization Prizes for the MSc in Maritime Affairs were endowed by the Asia House of Copenhagen and included Ms Margie Mataac (Philippines) for Maritime Education & Training, Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Ismail Mohamed Ismail (Egypt) for Maritime Energy Management, Mr Rahul Lodhi (India) for Maritime Law & Policy, Mr Eslam Ramadan Badry Gad (Egypt) for Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration, Ms Aishath Sarah Hashim (Maldives) for Ocean Sustainability, Governance and Management, Mr. Suraya Yeasmin Jui (Bangladesh) for Port Management, Mr. Pankaj Kumar (India) for Shipping Management & Logistics, Mr. Pu Yuxin (China) for International Transport and Logistics, taught in Shanghai, and Mr. He Jing (China) for Maritime Safety and Environmental Management, taught in Dalian.

Recipients of the Kalmar Prizes, awarded by Kalmar Global to students who are recognized as leaders among their peers, included: Ms Daniela Jimena Andrade Tamayo (Ecuador), Ms Artemisa Cristina Gomes Neves Mota (Cabo Verde), Mr. Gift William Kamwendo (Malawi), Ms. Teona Khabeishvili (Georgia), Ms. Sulafa Mahmod (Syria), Mr. Shinabhat Maneerin (Thailand), Mr. Jethro Padama (Philippines), Mr. Tebogo Alfred Moloko Ramatjie (South Africa), Ms. Louisa Pokua Sarkodie (Ghana), and Mr. Takanori Uzumaki (Japan).

To access photos from the ceremony, click here.

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Additional WMU Graduation Ceremonies in 2023

The first WMU graduation ceremony of 2023 took place on 29 July for 32 students in the MSc in Maritime Affairs with a specialization in International Transport and Logistics (Shipping & Finance) (ITL) offered in cooperation with Shanghai Maritime University took place in Shanghai. On 30 July, the graduation ceremony took place for 47 students in WMU’s MSc in Maritime Affairs with a specialization in Maritime Safety and Environmental Management (MSEM) offered in cooperation with Dalian Maritime University in Dalian, China.

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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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Marine litter poses significant threats to Caribbean Small Island Developing States, affecting marine ecosystems, tourism, fisheries and other local economies, and the health of the communities. My choice to focus on this crisis was driven by the urgency to shed light on its magnitude, propose sustainable solutions, and advocate for more global efforts in addressing this pressing environmental issue.

Studying at WMU provided a multifaceted experience that extended beyond just academics, and there are two highlights worth mentioning to represent this. One, the amazing opportunity for intercultural exchange. I had the privilege of collaborating with researchers and experts from around the globe. This diverse gathering not only facilitated a unique learning environment but also opened doors to share varied perspectives. This exchange was instrumental to my research and learning process and enriched my career path. I found myself collaborating with and even speaking alongside some of the most respected experts in the field on renowned panels. Two, is a particularly exhilarating experience which was representing the university in the UN interagency games in 2022. I was honored to be a part of the first women's team from WMU. Against expectations, I managed to place third in my backstroke category, even though it was my first time participating in competitive swimming. Our team's dedication and hard work culminated in a podium finish, as we secured third place overall.

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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