(NEWS) WMU Graduation Ceremony 2024

November

2024

WMU Graduation Ceremony 2024

‍

On 2 November, the latest cohort of the maritime and oceans leaders of tomorrow graduated from the World Maritime University (WMU). The Class of 2024 has received the education required to contribute to maritime and oceans issues in their home countries and more broadly to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The graduating class includes 260 graduates from over 70 countries.

Welcome remarks were delivered by WMU President, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr. As a WMU graduate himself, President Mejia reflected on the power of the WMU experience in shaping the way WMU graduates think, work, plan and interact. He said, “I charge you today, to always cherish the great benefits you have gained from this incredible academic programme that not only offered you studies in maritime and oceans affairs, but also offered you the opportunity to work and live together as global citizens in the true United Nations spirit of peace, understanding, harmony, and a shared resolve to make our world a better place.” He encouraged the graduates to, in time, do everything within their means to allow others the same unique opportunity to study at WMU.

In his first graduation address as Chancellor of WMU, Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), 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 University. In his advice to the graduates, he emphasized that they don’t need to have all the answers. He encouraged them to rely on their WMU friendships and extended networks to navigate obstacles and transform challenges into opportunities. He highlighted that sharing their knowledge and experiences would be invaluable, enriching them both personally and professionally.

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 congratulated the graduates noting 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 congratulated the graduates, emphasizing that while a degree is a significant academic achievement, it represents so much more. She said, “The skills you have gained here have set you on a course to become ocean and maritime leaders. The work you will do will be instrumental in creating a safer and most sustainable world.”

Captain Londy Ngcobo, the Managing Director of Womaritime Experts, was the Guest of Honour. In addressing the graduates, she shared her personal perspectives related to her journey on becoming Africa’s first female Dredge Master. She encouraged the graduates to captain their destiny and take charge of their futures, not simply waiting to be chosen to make a difference. She said, “The success of any voyage is not defined by the captain alone, but is defined along with the crew members. We are facing global challenges, we are a global industry, we need global collaboration….The people who shift the world don't ask for permission.” She exhorted the World Maritime University Class of 2024 not to wait for events to unfold but rather to, “set the sail and claim your captaincy!”

Mr Bashir Hamza, President of the Student Council for the Class of 2024, 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. Reflecting on the Class of 2024 experience, he described it as encompassing resilience, ambition, and unity. “Our differences are not barriers, they are strengths. We have been stretched beyond our comfort zone, but have found strength in each other.” He described the WMU experience as priceless, that it gives WMU graduates a mission that transcends individuals to collectively make a difference in the maritime world.

The 2024 graduation ceremony brings the total number of WMU graduates to 6,340 from 170 countries and territories.

To access the recorded ceremony, click here. Photos from the ceremony can be accessed here.

‍

AWARDS PRESENTED AT THE CEREMONY

Doctor of Science honoris causa

Mr Kitack Lim who was, until the end of 2023, Secretary-General of IMO and Chancellor of WMU. Mr Lim attended IMO meetings from 1986, and in 2006 was appointed Maritime Attaché, becoming in due course Deputy Permanent Representative to IMO and led all IMO work for the Republic of Korea until August 2009. Mr Lim subsequently held a number of very senior posts in the maritime sector in Korea, before his election as Secretary-General in 2016. He served for eight years with great distinction, overseeing many IMO achievements, including the landmark adoption of the 2023 Strategy on the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships. His deep humanitarian concern was a noteworthy keynote of his term of office.

Professor Emeritus

Professor Shuo Ma, Professor of Maritime Economics since 1995 and subsequently Head of the Shipping Management and Port Management specializations, Vice President (Academic), and Vice President (International).

Outstanding Alumna

Mrs Olga O’Neil, formerly Director of IMO’s Conference Division, was the first alumna of WMU to be appointed as a Director of an IMO Division. Always proud to be a WMU alumna, she has demonstrated great professional distinction in the maritime field throughout her career since graduating in 1987.

‍Outstanding Alumnus
Mr Kitack Lim, the first WMU graduate to be elected as Secretary-General of IMO and Chancellor of WMU. He led the Organization with distinction and grace, and served as an international exemplar of a WMU graduate.

Annual Student Awards

For the first time ever, two students had identical grades at the top of their class. Chancellor’s Medals in the MSc in Maritime Affairs were awarded to both Ms Jasmine Bellini (Belize) and Ms Kathy Ann Young (Trinidad and Tobago). The C P Srivastava Award for International Fellowship, was awarded to Mr Zakaria Isikioune (Algeria). Mr Hyunho Kim (Republic of Korea) received the Richard Charvet Scholarship for the best student specializing in Maritime Law and Policy, Mr Gregor-Louis Priesnitz (Germany) 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 Deepak Sinha (India). The Lloyd’s Maritime Academy Dissertation Prize was awarded to Clever Tugume (Uganda). The Schlüter Foundation Dissertation Prize for an outstanding dissertation in the field of Shipping and Marine Environmental Protection was awarded to Mr Chiedozie Njoku (Nigeria), and the Secretary-General’s Prize for best dissertation was awarded to Ms Kathy Ann Young (Trinidad and Tobago).

For 2024, the Specialization Prizes for the MSc in Maritime Affairs were endowed by the Asia House of Copenhagen and included: for Maritime Education & Training, Ms Jasmine Bellini (Belize); for Maritime Energy Management, Mr Mao Tze Bayotas (Philippines); for Maritime Law & Policy, Mr Adetayo Yusuf Adesokan (Nigeria); for Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration, Mr José Miguel Jaramillo Mendoza (Ecuador); for Ocean Sustainability, Governance and Management, Ms Kathy Ann Young (Trinidad and Tobago); for Port Management, Mr Joel Herald Kossam (Malawi); for Shipping Management & Logistics, Ms Hoang Thu Trang (Viet Nam); for International Transport and Logistics, taught in Shanghai, Mr Yang Haohao (China); and for Maritime Safety and Environmental Management, taught in Dalian, Mr Zheng Kaijie (China).

Recipients of the Kalmar Prizes, awarded by Kalmar Global to students who are recognized as leaders among their peers, included: Mr Zakaria Isikioune (Algeria), Ms Jasmine Deneen Bellin (Belize), Ms Tanapit Petchmunee (Thailand), Mr Chiedozie Enyoka Njoku (Nigeria), Mr Peter Tamarakro Orubebe (Nigeria), Mr Marlon Bulan (Philippines), Ms Faith Nazi Maraga (Kenya), Mr José Miguel Jaramillo Mendoza (Ecuador), Ms Carlota Simões Borges (Angola), Mr Eranga Sampath Hetti Arachchige (Sri Lanka).

‍
Additional WMU Graduation Ceremonies in 2024

The first WMU graduation ceremony of 2024 took place on 23 July for 23 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 24 July, the graduation ceremony took place for 53 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.

‍

Related Documents

No items found.

Dissertation title

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.

Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

The Transition to low and near zero carbon emission ports: Extent and Determinants

Spatiotemporal Analyses of Pelagic Sargassum: Biodiversity, Morphotypes and Arsenic Content

Contextual Barriers Facing Caribbean SIDS in the Global Governance of Plastic Pollution. Assessing the need for harmonized marine debris monitoring and contextual equity to support participation in the global plastics treaty negotiations by Caribbean SIDS

Hinterland Connectivity and Market Share. A case of Indian Container Ports

Combatting the Marine Litter Crisis in the Windward Islands: Examining Source-to-Sea Pathways and Fostering Multi-Scale Solutions

I was attracted to the World Maritime University (WMU) in Sweden simply due to the opportunity to research the transboundary challenges of marine litter in the Eastern Caribbean. My specific research focus on the Windward Islands allowed me to contribute solutions to a region I am deeply connected to.

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.

Combatting the Marine Litter Crisis in the Windward Islands: Examining Source-to-Sea Pathways and Fostering Multi-Scale Solutions

The Problem of Abandoned, Lost and otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) in Eastern Caribbean Small-Scale Fisheries. Understanding the Challenges, Defining Solutions

Gender equality in ocean science for sustainable development

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.

My research topic focused on evaluating gender equality in ocean science for Sustainable development in Kenya. The primary aim of this study was to examine gender equality in ocean science institutions in Kenya, using the existing institutional gender policies, gender-disaggregated data of students and staff, the experiences and barriers faced by students and staff in this field as well as the good practices that the institutions already have to promote gender equality. The issue of gender equality and women’s empowerment are generally relevant for ocean governance because they bring diverse perspectives, skills and solutions to management and sustainability. I chose this research topic to understand the root causes of gender inequalities and persistent biases in the ocean science sector to make invisible voices and contributions of women in ocean science visible and to ensure women or marginalized groups are included in decision-making and policy-making processes as the primary users of marine resources.

I have had a fantastic journey and an incredible and rewarding experience at WMU. Studying here came with many blessings and was one of the best decisions I have ever made. First, my supervisors were resourceful, outstanding and very supportive, who dedicated their time to mentor and guide my research work. Their guidance, advice, motivation, kindness, understanding and support were instrumental and helped me achieve my academic goals to reach where I am today. Second, the university has a strong family bond, is well-organized, and embraces teamwork, and I received immense support from the GOI and WMU secretariat. Also, I managed to interact with many students from different nationalities, exchanged ideas and discovered/learned a lot of things from the various cultures, especially during the annual celebration of the WMU International Day, made new friends from around the world, expanded my network and immensely improved my global view.

After graduation, I plan to expand my network and find a job that includes both academic and practice-oriented research to continue advocating for gender equality in ocean science. Also, I plan to develop a policy brief for the ocean science institutions in Kenya as a guide for promoting gender equality in ocean science both in higher education and employing agencies. My natural science background will also open doors to explore and work in freshwater and marine environments.

Gender equality in ocean science for sustainable development

Harmonisation in the Rules Governing the Recognition of Foreign Judicial Ship Sales

The Development of a Systematic, Holistic and Transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Shipyards

When I made the decision to embark on the journey of pursuing both my MSc and PhD degrees, the World Maritime University (WMU) beckoned me for several compelling reasons. Foremost among these was WMU's sterling reputation as a world-class institution within the maritime sphere, a factor that wielded significant influence over my choice. Given my extensive background as a senior professional in the maritime operational field, having held the role of a captain, I was in search of an academic environment that could serve as a nexus for both enriching my knowledge and providing a platform for the dissemination of my wealth of industry experience.

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.

My research focus during my tenure at WMU was centered on the pivotal subject of achieving net-zero emissions in the maritime sector, encompassing both offshore and onshore infrastructures, including ports and shipyards. This particular research avenue held great appeal for me due to its unique capacity to amalgamate my extensive practical experience as a captain within the maritime operational field with the rigorous academic environment provided by WMU. The maritime industry is inherently dynamic, constantly undergoing transformative changes, and I was deeply convinced that my research endeavors could significantly contribute to enhancing sustainability within this vital sector. The prospect of influencing positive change by addressing contemporary challenges and emerging trends in the maritime industry, all closely aligned with my professional background, served as a compelling motivation for my choice of research focus.

One of the most memorable aspects of my WMU experience has undoubtedly been the University's vibrant and inclusive interdisciplinary environment. Engaging with both faculty members and fellow students hailing from diverse backgrounds and nationalities has been an incredibly enriching facet of my academic journey. This inclusive atmosphere has offered me a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights and perspectives that would have remained undiscovered within the confines of a purely industry-focused setting. The collaborative exchange of ideas across various maritime disciplines has proven to be invaluable, expanding my horizons and enriching my educational experience. Additionally, the regular involvement in thoughtful discussions, seminars, and workshops focused on globally relevant maritime topics has served as a consistent source of inspiration throughout my time at WMU. The University’s unwavering dedication to cultivating a global network of maritime experts has allowed me to establish meaningful connections with professionals and scholars from across the world. These connections have not only broadened my academic horizons but have also added a global dimension to my educational journey, enhancing its depth and significance.

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.

The Development of a Systematic, Holistic and Transdisciplinary Energy Management Framework to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Shipyards