(NEWS) Germany Announces One Million Euros for WMU Endowment Fund

October

2016

Germany Announces One Million Euros for WMU Endowment Fund

The Government of Germany has announced plans to contribute one million euros to the World Maritime University’s Endowment Fund to help ensure its future financial sustainability. The announcement was made by Mr Reinhard Klingen, Director-General, Waterways and Shipping of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Germany, who was the keynote speaker at the 2016 WMU Graduation Ceremony on 29 October.

In making the announcement, Mr Klingen stated “WMU is a backbone of support for the goals of IMO through education, research and development cooperation. Germany’s support to the WMU Endowment Fund will ensure the education of future maritime leaders who will study at WMU in the spirit of the United Nations and will support the important work of IMO.” He referred to the importance of the IMO as a global regulator of maritime safety and protection of the marine environment. Germany, he said, “believes that it is important to work together with all countries to achieve the objectives of IMO and strengthen cooperation in the maritime sector.” Mr Klingen also spoke of Germany’s interest in permanent and fruitful partnerships with the home countries of WMU students and their importance to the future of the global maritime sector, especially now that their education has prepared them to assume the highest maritime positions in their home countries.

In making the announcement of the contribution, Mr Klingen stated the Budget Commission has already agreed to the contribution and that the proposal is expected to be adopted next month by the Plenary of the National Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany. He expressed the hope that “other countries would follow the German example and support the WMU Endowment Fund to ensure the education of future maritime leaders who will study at WMU in the spirit of the United Nations and will support the important work of IMO.” Mr Klingen also confirmed the intention of the Ministry to continue to provide fellowships for students in the WMU Master of Science (MSc) programme.

In responding to this announcement, WMU President, Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry stated, “I am elated by the announcement that Germany will make a contribution of one million Euros to the WMU Endowment Fund. This represents the first such announcement by a Government to the WMU Endowment Fund. I am confident that this contribution will encourage other Governments to follow suit. Such contributions ensure that WMU will be able to educate, undertake cutting edge research and build the capacity of future leaders of the maritime industry and the oceans, not only today but also in the future.”

The German Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure has funded 12 WMU students including four in the Class of 2016, and four in the Class of 2017. Germany has been an important supporter of the University since it was founded in 1983. Five students have been funded by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and 319 students have been funded by its predecessor, the Carl Duisburg Gesellschaft, including Mr. Kitack Lim, the first IMO Secretary-General and WMU Chancellor to be an Alumnus of the World Maritime University.

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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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