- His Excellency Arsenio Dominguez highlighted diversity’s importance at WISTA UK’s 50th anniversary.
- Conference sessions focused on media representation, ESG practices, and alternative fuels.
- Guy Platten commended WISTA UK’s efforts and discussed ICS initiatives for increasing women in seafaring roles.
During the 50th anniversary celebration of the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association UK (WISTA UK), His Excellency Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), emphasized the importance of diversity in maritime. He stated, “Enhancing the role of women in everything that we do is essential. With the continued support of all allies and the media, we can achieve even greater progress together”, reports Safety4sea.
Conference Sessions
The event, which included an insightful conference and a grand evening reception, brought together industry leaders, members, and supporters to honor achievements and set the stage for future advancements. Monica Kohli, President of WISTA UK, welcomed attendees, followed by a welcome address from His Excellency Arsenio Dominguez.
- Nurturing Diverse Voices in Maritime Media: The opening session addressed how media can aid women in enhancing their visibility. Discussions underscored the need for diverse representation, featuring stories from various backgrounds, including women, trans, and non-binary individuals. Panelists also delved into obstacles women face in the industry, such as fear of failure and reluctance to leave their comfort zones, emphasizing the importance of overcoming these fears for personal and professional growth.
- ESG, to or not to be? This session thoroughly examined the current state of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Discussions revolved around the challenges and opportunities within ESG frameworks, highlighting the need for robust and transparent practices to foster sustainability in maritime operations.
- Navigating Alternative Fuel Options for Decarbonisation Risks and Hazards – What’s the Fuel? This discussion highlighted future fuels and the industry’s decarbonization amidst evolving regulations like the EU ETS and FuelEU. The panel emphasized the need for accurate data and proactive planning in shipping’s digitalization, concluding with a call for the IMO to provide global regulations on ESG, fuel standards, and reporting requirements.
The conference concluded with a closing address from Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping. He congratulated WISTA UK on their significant work in promoting maritime diversity and discussed the ICS’s efforts to bring more women into seafaring roles, especially given the predicted shortage of 90,000 seafarers. An interview with Guy Platten during the Posidonia exhibition in Athens from June 3-7, 2024, provided further insights into these topics.
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Source: Safety4sea
