Strengthening Cooperation with the ITF Seafarers' Trust

On 3 March, President Doumbia-Henry welcomed to WMU Mr. Tomas Abrahamsson, Acting Head of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, and Mr. Luca Tommasi, the Trust’s Project Manager. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen cooperation between the ITF Seafarers’ Trust and WMU and ensure continued support for students through fellowships.

The ITF Seafarers’ Trust has funded the education of 113 WMU graduates from 29 countries, and a further 5 students are funded in the Class of 2018. The ITF Seafarers’ Trust additionally offers their fellows a week-long field study at the International Transport Workers’ Federation headquarters in London, which includes visits to Tilbury Port, seafarer welfare organizations and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The visit contributes to the strengthening of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust network of students and alumni.

“The work of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust is of critical importance, and the ongoing support of the Trust for WMU students has played a significant role in global maritime capacity building and the development of a uniform approach to the interpretation of maritime Conventions and other international regulatory instruments. We welcome continued collaboration with the Trust as we work together to achieve the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda,” stated President Doumbia-Henry.

The ITF Seafarers’ Trust was established in 1981 by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) as a charitable fund to provide funding for organizations working for the benefit of seafarers, irrespective of nationality, race or creed. It aims to ensure seafarers are legally protected, and to make sure they are healthier, less isolated, better represented and more connected with their loved ones and the people and organizations that care for their well-being, both at sea and in port. It prioritizes seafarers’ health, communications and transport, as well as mitigating the effects of criminalization and piracy.