From September 1–3, 2025, Manila hosted a landmark international conference titled “No One Left Adrift: Seafarers at the Cross Currents of Commerce, Conflict and Change.” The event brought together senior government officials, maritime leaders, and international experts to highlight the urgent human rights, safety, and welfare concerns facing seafarers. Delegates underscored that these essential workers are not only the backbone of global trade but also vital to supply chain resilience and economic stability, reports IMO.
Focus on diversity and inclusion
A central feature of the conference was the focus on diversity and inclusion. The International Maritime Organization’s Women in Maritime Programme reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality across the sector. Initiatives include the Women in Maritime Survey, which tracks progress, along with gender-specific fellowships, technical training for women in developing countries, and the development of professional networks. Eight regional Women in Maritime Associations (WIMAs) have been established to foster collaboration and ensure women’s voices are heard. The message was clear: creating barrier-free, inclusive workplaces benefits everyone—men and women alike—by ensuring safer, more respectful, and more effective maritime environments.
The conference culminated in the adoption of the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being. This declaration firmly asserts that human rights must apply to all seafarers, regardless of nationality, vessel, or jurisdiction. It also calls for closer cooperation between governments, shipowners, unions, and international organizations to strengthen protections for seafarers. By linking these commitments to the broader Sustainable Development Goals, the declaration positions seafarer welfare as a core part of the global sustainability agenda.
The Manila gathering highlighted a growing recognition that the maritime industry’s future depends as much on people as it does on ships and infrastructure. Ensuring that no one is left adrift—whether in times of crisis, in the workplace, or in policy—has become a defining priority. By championing seafarers’ rights and promoting diversity, the industry takes a vital step toward building a safer, fairer, and more resilient global maritime sector.
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Source: IMO
