(NEWS) The “Second Regional Conference for the Americas” concludes in Veracruz, Mexico

October

2019

The “Second Regional Conference for the Americas” concludes in Veracruz, Mexico

The Secretary of the Navy of Mexico and the President of the World Maritime University (WMU) closed the "Second Regional Conference for the Americas", which was held from 30 September to 2 October at the Heroic Naval Military School, in Antón Lizardo, Veracruz. The Conference was jointly organized by WMU and the Ports and Maritime Affairs Captaincy Unit (UNICAPAM) with the theme “Maritime Transport and Ocean Policies: Regional Perspectives for the Americas”.

The Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Admiral Eduardo Redondo Arámburo, opened the Conference on behalf of the Secretary of the Navy, Admiral José Rafael Ojeda Durán. The keynote speech and welcoming words were delivered by Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of the World Maritime University.

The speakers, participants and the general public discussed the opportunities and challenges for the development and implementation of policies oriented towards maritime transport and the oceans in the region. Issues discussed of international relevance included: Maritime governance and national maritime transport policies; Transportation, ports and terminals; Education and training; Gender equality; Oceanic policies and climate change governance; Maritime boundaries and areas beyond national jurisdiction; and a WMU alumni action plan. Distinguished speakers from Government institutions, the private sector and academia, including the following: Jeffrey G. Lantz (Director, Commercial Regulations and Standards, US Coast Guard), Claudia Kay Grant (Deputy-Director General, Maritime Administration, Jamaica), Iván Valenzuela Bosne, (Maritime Administration, Chile), Alfonso Ascencio-Herrera, Legal Counsel, (International Seabed Authority), Captain Anuj Chopra, Vice President, Americas, (Right Ship Pty. Ltd); Dr. Liliana Rodríguez Cortés (International Ocean Institute); Dr. Mariamalia Rodríguez Chávez, Coordinator of the Alliance for Altamar (Latin America), and Dr. Takeshi Nakasawa, Executive Director (International Association of Maritime Universities).

Admiral Redondo Arámburo, on behalf of the Mexican authorities, highlighted the excellent work of the World Maritime University under the leadership of Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry and thanked her “(...) in a special way for the great effort made to ensure that the Conference would be a success and which was made possible with the excellent cooperation between the Secretary of the Navy and WMU that you worthily represent; receive our recognition for this reason, hoping that the objectives have been met and our cooperation further consolidated.”

In this Second Regional Conference the true spirit of cooperation that distinguishes the WMU was realized, as well as the contribution of the countries of the continent who again expressed their commitment to meet the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, and in particular the goals of: Quality Education, Gender Equality and Life below Water.

Together the Ministry of the Navy, as the National Maritime Authority, in coordination with the World Maritime University, have strengthened their ties with maritime and ocean training institutions, graduates of the educational institutions of the International Maritime Organization as well as with members of the maritime education and business sectors, in order to contribute to the fulfilment of the commitments made in the UN 2030 Agenda, and guarantee a Mexico with clean, safe and efficient ports and seas.

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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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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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