The 2025 World Maritime Day Parallel Event (WMDPE) recently unfolded in the vibrant city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, serving as a dynamic platform for sharing ideas, highlighting innovation, and fostering international collaboration in the maritime sector. Hosted by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure alongside the International Maritime Organization (IMO), this event brought together global leaders, experts, and policymakers eager to advance maritime innovation, economic growth, and ocean protection.
A warm welcome was extended by H.E. Suhail bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of the UAE, who emphasized the critical balance between economic progress and safeguarding the oceans. He reflected on how the seas are vital to connecting people globally and underscored the importance of maintaining their health for future generations. This sentiment set the tone for the event’s focus on sustainable growth alongside environmental stewardship.
IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez reinforced the event’s ambitious goals by highlighting the wide-ranging opportunities that emerge from addressing environmental challenges in shipping. Beyond the immediate maritime workforce, he pointed out the expanding career prospects in logistics, law, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, and economics. Dominguez also reassured attendees that IMO is committed to continuously updating its international regulations to mirror industry changes while carefully weighing the economic impacts on member states.
The event featured an engaging maritime exhibition that showcased cutting-edge innovations aimed at enhancing the sustainability of shipping operations. Over two days, attendees participated in five insightful panel discussions, each focusing on pressing maritime issues and future directions:
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Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity highlighted the intricate relationship between ocean health, economic prosperity, and governance. This panel also explored the growing blue economy and stressed the importance of ocean literacy and youth engagement to secure a sustainable maritime future.
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Decarbonization and Climate Change delved into pathways towards net-zero emissions in shipping, discussing the potential of alternative fuels, establishment of green shipping corridors, carbon pricing mechanisms, and the development of climate-resilient port infrastructure.
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Actions to Address Marine Plastic Litter examined the challenges of marine pollution through regulatory gaps, innovations in onboard waste management, enhanced port reception facilities, and empowering seafarers as frontline defenders against plastic pollution.
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The BBNJ Treaty and Shipping panel reviewed the impacts of the new global framework for protecting marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. Discussions centered on how this treaty will influence shipping routes and governance in the high seas.
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Capacity Development for Sustainable Oceans spotlighted IMO-led initiatives aimed at strengthening maritime capabilities across member states, particularly focusing on developing countries. These programs address maritime training, upskilling, and promoting decent work conditions to support a just green transition.
The event culminated with a symbolic handover ceremony, where the World Maritime Day Parallel Event flag was transferred to the Republic of Korea, setting the stage for the 2026 event to be hosted in Busan. This act not only marked the end of an inspiring gathering in Dubai but also looked forward to continued collaboration and progress in maritime innovation and ocean protection on the global stage.
