The WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI) welcomed Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado on 11 June 2026 during her official visit to the World Maritime University (WMU) headquarters in Malmö, Sweden. An accompanying Japanese delegation included senior representatives from the Embassy of Japan in Sweden and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), among them H.E. Mr. Hideaki Mizukoshi, Ambassador of Japan to Sweden, and Dr. Atsushi Sunami, President of SPF.
Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado
visits wmu-sasakawa global ocean institute
professor ronán long
- director, goi -
Professor Ronán Long, Director of the GOI, introduced the Institute’s core research areas and strategic priorities. He also provided an overview of recent developments in international ocean governance, including the outcomes of the Island Ocean States Summit 2026, hosted by The Nippon Foundation and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO) with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Professor Long further highlighted key findings emerging from the latest World Ocean Assessment (WOA III) as well as contributions by the WMU-GOI to six of its chapters including a new chapter on Gender Equality.
Principal investigators from the Future Ocean Programme, the BBNJ Clinic Programme, and the METAVASEA project presented ongoing work focused on strengthening ocean governance frameworks and supporting the sustainable use of marine resources. Her Imperial Highness engaged with the researchers on the translation of scientific knowledge into policy and the role of collaboration in addressing global ocean challenges.
a longstanding relationship
The visit underscored the enduring relationship between Japan and the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute. Established through Honorary Chairman Yōhei Sasakawa and made possible through the continued support of The Nippon Foundation, the Institute reflects Japan’s long-term commitment to advancing ocean conservation and sustainable development on a global scale.
For more information please contact the WMU-GOI at goisecretariat@wmu.se
About the World Maritime University
The World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden is established within the framework of the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. The mission of WMU is to be the world centre of excellence in postgraduate maritime and oceans education, professional training and research, while building global capacity and promoting sustainable development. WMU is an organization by and for the international maritime community and is committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
About wmu-goi
The World Maritime University (WMU)-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI) is an independent focal point for the ocean science-policy-law-industry-society interface where policymakers, the scientific community, regulators, industry actors, academics, and representatives of civil society meet to discuss how best to manage and use ocean spaces and their resources in accordance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Institute was inaugurated in May 2018 and made possible through generous support from The Nippon Foundation of Japan, the Governments of Sweden, Canada, and Germany, as well as the City of Malmö.