Ahead of the upcoming WISTA International Conference and AGM, WISTA International President, Elpi Petraki, outlines the linkage between diversity and sustainability to highlight why action – not words – is needed to implement systemic change, reports bunker spot.
When we talk about creating a sustainable future for the maritime industry, it’s important to remember that the definition of sustainability has more than one dimension.
As well as adopting solutions that reduce the impact of shipping on the environment, for example, shipping must sustain itself by attracting the next generation. Doing so means that we must understand that many millennials and Gen Z professionals assume diversity and protecting the environment are working principles, rather than aspirations.
The 2023 Deloitte Gen Z and Millennial Survey showed that many Gen Z and Millennials make career decisions based on their values and want to work for organisations where they feel empowered to drive change. While the cost of living is a serious concern for both generations, dealing with climate change is considered a ‘top three’ value.
IMO
Industries worldwide are engaged in reducing their environmental impacts, and the maritime sector is no exception. The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) recently revised strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions included an enhanced common ambition to reach net-zero by 2050.
Encouragingly, the values of DEI that go hand in hand with changed attitudes on the environment are finally getting the attention they deserve in the maritime sector; DEI is now considered one of the top priorities for change – ranking alongside decarbonisation and digitalisation.
A Global Outlook
While it is easy to focus on one’s own geography, shipping is a global business, where an understanding of the complexities of operations is essential, and different standards may apply on what represents ‘progress’ in different locations. Addressing challenges and opportunities on a global scale demands individual regions have the support and resources they need to implement genuine change.
Supporting Women in Maritime Worldwide
DEI and the role of women in shipping and trading will naturally form a key part of the discussions later this month, with women becoming increasingly present and involved in the Latin American maritime industry. It is estimated that more than 25% of students in the regions Maritime Academies are women, and there are also a growing number of women in board level positions in port authorities and other maritime businesses.
Women currently still only make up 2% of the seafaring workforce and, as revealed by the IMO/WISTA Women in Maritime Survey, also only accounting for 29% of the overall workforce within the maritime industry.
These figures provide a stark reminder of why WISTA exists, and the continuing necessity for the work we do: we need more women in all roles and in all boardrooms. This does not detract from the progress that has been made, but only when diversity and inclusion are the starting point of discussions can we say that we have truly succeeded.
Achieving Change
While the primary purpose of the WISTA International Conference is to bring the industry together to discuss how to address the challenges that lie ahead, it is also an opportunity to share knowledge and provide examples of how change is being enacted.
As the President of WISTA International, I urge organisations to involve and empower employees to drive change, to share the lessons that have been learned and remain open to new ideas and collaboration. We all have a role to play in securing the industry’s future, but without action, it will be impossible to achieve the change that is so urgently needed.
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Source : Bunker spot
