WMU Provides High-level Expertise in Delivery of “Maritime Lebanon” Webinar for ICMPD
On 27 May, the World Maritime University (WMU) contributed to the delivery of a high-profile webinar titled “Maritime Lebanon,” organized by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). The online event was part of the EU-funded project “Strengthening Capability for Integrated Border Management in Lebanon (IBM III),” which focuses on enhancing Lebanon’s border governance and reinforcing a rights-based approach to border management, while contributing to the security and stability of border communities in Lebanon. Implemented by ICMPD, the project includes a focus on technical assistance to Lebanon in the development and advocacy of a National Integrated Maritime Policy.
WMU was represented by Professor Jens-Uwe Schröder-Hinrichs, Vice-President (Academic Affairs), who addressed the topic of “International Maritime Governance, Best Practices and Legal Framework.” Further presentations included an in-depth analysis of Lebanon’s national maritime regime, infrastructure and operation presented by Dr Manal Nader, Director of the Institute of the Environment at the University of Balamand in Lebanon, and an empirical and evidence-based presentation on maritime governance and cooperation in the context of the Beirut Port made by Ms Jihane Abi Khalil, Managing Director of Adelmar Logistics Sarl and a lecturer on logistics at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik in Lebanon. Mr Rein Nieland, Head of the Operations Section, Governance and Security, at the European Union Delegation to Lebanon, and Mr Adrian Cooper, Head of ICMPD’s Beirut Office, delivered introductory notes. Ms Maya Tayara, Head of the Maritime Training Division at the Lebanese Ministry of Public Works and Transport, also addressed the participants.
Dr Aref Fakhry, WMU Associate Professor, moderated the webinar. In concluding the event, Dr Fakhry highlighted the importance of maritime and marine management in Lebanon including the need to further integrate international actors in this domain, the fundamental role of civil society as well as the private sector in fostering and developing Lebanon’s maritime sector, and the prerequisite of implementing existing laws and conventions.
Webinar attendees included Lebanese Government officials, marine lawyers, and representatives of international organizations including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Beirut-based United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX).
WMU has been supporting ICMPD in the development of Lebanon’s National Integrated Maritime Policy and the webinar provided the opportunity for wider exposure to the project. More webinars will follow as part of a series tackling different aspects of Lebanon’s maritime profile and outlook. WMU’s role will be instrumental in providing expertise to direct the national maritime policy-building process as well as to populate its content.
To view the Maritime Lebanon recorded webinar, click here.
About WMU
The World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden is established within the framework of the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. The mission of WMU 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. WMU’s vision is to inspire leadership and innovation for a sustainable maritime and oceans future. WMU is an organization by and for the international maritime community and is committed to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
About ICMPD
The International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) is an international organization with 18 member States and more than 350 staff members. Active in more than 90 countries worldwide, it takes a regional approach in its work to create efficient cooperation and partnerships along migration routes. Priority regions include Africa, Central and South Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Its three-pillar approach to migration management – structurally linking research, migration dialogues and capacity building – contributes to better migration policy development worldwide. The Vienna-based organization has a mission in Brussels, a regional office in Malta and project offices in several countries. ICMPD receives funding from its member States, the European Commission, the UN and other multilateral institutions, as well as bilateral donors. Founded in 1993, ICMPD holds UN observer status and cooperates with more than 700 partners including EU institutions and UN agencies. See https://www.icmpd.org/about-us/about-icmpd for more information.
