(NEWS) Farewell and Thanks to Mr Koji Sekimizu

December

2015

Farewell and Thanks to Mr Koji Sekimizu

The closing day of IMO Assembly, 2 December, included a farewell to Mr. Koji Sekimizu who has served as Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since January 2012, and Chancellor of WMU since June 2012 and will step down from both roles on 31 December 2015.

On behalf of the University, Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, WMU President, delivered a message of thanks to Mr. Sekimizu at the Assembly stating, “It is an honour for me to express to Mr. Koji Sekimizu, as President of the World Maritime University, on behalf of the Faculty, Staff and Students of the University, our deepest thanks and gratitude for the enormous contribution you have made to the University. During your mandate, you have spared no effort and have been tireless in ensuring that the University was equipped for tomorrow to continue to educate and build capacity for the future leaders of the entire maritime industry. Mr Sekimizu, you have given to WMU a road map for the future on the basis of the Study on the Financial Sustainability of the University providing it with the strategic directions to ensure a solid future. You have ensured that WMU’s Charter was amended to enable it to take advantage of the opportunities of today and tomorrow and operationalized the WMU Endowment Fund to diversify its sources of funding. Thank you for this legacy! Secretary-General, you will always have a special place in the hearts of WMU’s President, Faculty, Staff and Students. We wish you, your wife and family well.”

Mr. Sekimizu has been a well-loved Chancellor who has taken a significant interest in the success and growth of the University. During his tenure as IMO Secretary-General and WMU Chancellor, Mr. Sekimizu visited WMU on numerous occasions inspiring the students and staff with his vision for WMU and dedication to the mission of IMO.

At the recent graduation ceremony for the Class of 2015 that was held on 2 November, Mr. Sekimizu emphasized the prominent reputation of WMU highlighting the result of the election of WMU alumnus, Mr. Ki-tack LIM, as Secretary-General as well as noting the multiple candidates who were WMU alumni, “this a clear testament of the value of the university as an institution for generating future leaders in the maritime community.” In addressing the graduates, Chancellor Sekimizu put forth five points to strive for including discipline, having the courage to do the right thing and rely on your own judgment, always aiming for the top, being ambitious for the sake of others rather than your own aggrandizement, and remembering that that ethics and morals are the most important qualification for any leader, as well as the ability to work with people.

To read Mr. Sekimizu’s blog entry, Farewell to the World Maritime University, click here.

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

My decision to enroll in the doctoral program at WMU was heavily influencedby my prior experience as a Master's student at the institution. Initiallyintroduced to me as a preeminent global institution for maritime education,WMU's stellar reputation was further substantiated by the exceptional qualityof education I received during my Master’s studies. This experience became acompelling factor in my determination to return to WMU as a doctoral student.Recognizing the synergies between my research aspirations and the institutionalofferings at WMU, I concluded that continuing my educational journey at thisesteemed institution was not only beneficial but also aligned perfectly with myacademic and professional goals.

My research explored thetheoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis onmaritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the studyconducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritimegovernance—specifically, the implementation of International MaritimeOrganization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affectthe implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, theresearch aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmlyanchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling theintricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMOinstruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivatedby a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies inmaritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of ascarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in theexisting body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration,underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area ofmaritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarlyresearch.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of myeducational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections withinfluential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of theglobe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an internationalscale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also servedas a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures.Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding ofdifferent perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantlyto my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networkingand has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within theCaribbean region from which I hail.

Embarking on my professional path,my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritimegovernance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the globalmaritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by apassionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritimedomain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly topositive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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When I made the decision to embark on the journey of pursuing both my MScand PhD degrees, the World Maritime University (WMU) beckoned me for severalcompelling reasons. Foremost among these was WMU's sterling reputation as aworld-class institution within the maritime sphere, a factor that wieldedsignificant influence over my choice. Given my extensive background as a seniorprofessional in the maritime operational field, having held the role of acaptain, I was in search of an academic environment that could serve as a nexusfor both enriching my knowledge and providing a platform for the disseminationof my wealth of industry experience.

WMU's unwavering commitment tomaritime education, coupled with its resolute emphasis on bridging the realmsof academia and industry, deeply resonated with me. It became evident that WMUwas the perfect crucible for my transformation from a career entrenched inmaritime operations to one flourishing within academia. The University'sstoried tradition of nurturing and producing experts and leaders within themaritime sector further solidified its standing as the ideal choice for myeducational pursuits.Furthermore, WMU's distinctive interdisciplinary approachto maritime studies served as an irresistible attraction.

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One of the most memorable aspectsof my WMU experience has undoubtedly been the University's vibrant andinclusive interdisciplinary environment. Engaging with both faculty members andfellow students hailing from diverse backgrounds and nationalities has been anincredibly enriching facet of my academic journey. This inclusive atmospherehas offered me a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights and perspectivesthat would have remained undiscovered within the confines of a purely industry-focusedsetting. The collaborative exchange of ideas across various maritimedisciplines has proven to be invaluable, expanding my horizons and enriching myeducational experience. Additionally, the regular involvement in thoughtfuldiscussions, seminars, and workshops focused on globally relevant maritimetopics has served as a consistent source of inspiration throughout my time atWMU. The University’s unwavering dedication to cultivating a global network ofmaritime experts has allowed me to establish meaningful connections withprofessionals and scholars from across the world. These connections have notonly broadened my academic horizons but have also added a global dimension tomy educational journey, enhancing its depth and significance.

Upon graduation, I was awarded aprestigious research fellowship in sustainability, energy, and the pursuit ofnet-zero emissions within the maritime industry at the esteemed University ofSouthampton in the United Kingdom. This exciting opportunity marks the nextphase of my academic and maritime journey. I remain passionately committed tocontinuing my exploration of academia and the maritime sector, building uponthe invaluable knowledge and experience I acquired during my time at WMU. Myprimary objective is to contribute significantly to the advancement of thezero-emission maritime industry, a pivotal and transformative sector within ourglobal community.

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