News Archives - Future Ocean Programme

WMU co-hosts the 48th Annual Conference on Oceans Law and Policy in New Delhi, India

ambre — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:29:20 +0000

The World Maritime University – Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (WMU-GOI) co-organized the 48th Annual Conference on Oceans Law & Policy (COLP48), held at the Ashok Hotel in New Delhi, India from 9-12 September. Under the theme “Developing World Approaches to Ocean Governance: Perspectives from the Indian Ocean Rim,” COLP48 honoured the regional contributions to the development of oceans law and policy, while assessing current challenges and opportunities for the Indian Ocean region.

48th Annual Conference on Oceans Law and Policy

Developing World Approaches to Ocean Governance: Perspectives from the Indian Ocean Rim

The programme addressed issues such as the triple planetary crisis, the vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), international trade and shipping, critical offshore infrastructure and seabed minerals, the ratification and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, autonomous shipping and emerging technologies, fisheries and food security, maritime boundaries, and the future of ocean governance.

WMU-GOI Contributions

In a keynote address, WMU President, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr., noted WMU’s pride in co-hosting the first COLP held on the Indian subcontinent. He highlighted the region’s importance in global trade, ecology, and sustainable development amid growing maritime challenges. Citing India’s leadership and the legacy of Dr C. P. Srivastava, Founding Chancellor Emeritus of WMU, he reaffirmed the University’s commitment to promoting maritime safety, security, and sustainability through international collaboration.

On the technical programme side, the WMU delegation contributed to multiple sessions of the Conference. Professor Ronán Long, Director of WMU-GOI, moderated the inaugural plenary session on “Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis in the Indian Ocean: Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Pollution.” During this session Associate Professor Aleke Stöfen-O’Brien presented a paper reflecting on the Plastic Treaty and its far-reaching implications for the Indian Ocean region.

In subsequent parallel sessions, PhD Candidate, Mr Suriya Narayanan Sundararajan offered an Indian Ocean SIDS perspective to the International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on Climate Change, grounding legal discourse in the realities of vulnerable communities. In another session, Assistant Professor Aspasia Pastra addressed the potential of autonomous technologies and their role in safeguarding marine biodiversity.

Additional WMU contributors to the overall programme included Associate Professor Tafsir Matin Johansson, who presented the evolving relationship between marine technology and international law, and Lecturer Kathleen Auld, who addressed the delicate balance between fisheries subsidies and food security. In the final plenary session, Postdoctoral Fellow Vonintsoa Rafaly and Assistant Professor Ríán Derrig, considered the future of ocean governance, envisioning a balance between innovation and responsible stewardship.

regional and global collaboration

The conference brought together over 250 maritime and ocean experts from across the Indian Ocean region and beyond, providing a vital platform for advancing solutions to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean.

The Conference was hosted by Gujarat Maritime University (GMU) in partnership with WMU and the Stockton Center for International Law of the U.S. Naval War College, with the support of The Nippon Foundation and international academic partners including the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), the Centre for International Law (CIL), the Japan Institute for International Affairs (JIIA), the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the University of Copenhagen, the UiT Norwegian Centre for the Law of the Sea (NCLOS), the Center for Climate Change Law and Governance (CLIMA), the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), Athens Public International Law Center (PIL) and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

learn more

For more information on the conference and panels, refer to the website and the concept note below.

website

concept note

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 Sustainable Development Goals Agenda.

MORE ABOUT WMUclick here

About the wmu-sasakawa global ocean institute

The World Maritime University’s WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (WMU-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

MORE about WMU-GOIclick here

About the Conference on Oceans Law and Policy

The Conference on Oceans Law & Policy (COLP), established and formerly administered by the Center for Oceans Law & Policy, University of Virginia School of Law, is an annual academic conference coordinated by the Stockton Center for International Law of the US Naval War College. The Conference aims to promote interdisciplinary interaction with ocean-related legal and public policy issues at all levels, addressing international, national, regional, and state concerns. Each year the conference is hosted by a local country and in partnership with key actors in the maritime and ocean realm. WMU has partnered with and co-hosted the COLP since 2018, and hosted the COLP43 at WMU Malmö in May 2019, as well as co-hosting in COLP47 in Lima, Peru in September 2024.

MORE about COLPclick here

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Lecture at WMU: “Foundation Teaching: Plastic Session”

ambre — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:04:31 +0000

On 29 September 2025, Dr. Aleke Stöfen-O’Brien, Associate Professor (Research/Ocean Sustainability, Governance & Management) at the World Maritime University (WMU)-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI), delivered a lecture titled “Foundation Teaching: Plastic Session” at the Sasakawa Auditorium, WMU.

LECTURE & trash-picking:

"FOUNDATION TEACHING: PLASTIC SESSION"

The lecture, organized within the WMU Master’s Programme, formed part of the Foundation Course of the newly arrived WMU students for the academic year of 2025/2026. During the Foundation term, the Master’s students are introduced to key academic areas, perspectives, and faculty members, thereby preparing them for their upcoming Specialization studies.

In her session, Dr. Stöfen-O’Brien focused on ocean governance and international efforts to promote the sustainable use of the ocean. Central to her lecture was an exploration of the global “plastic crisis,” which has become a pressing issue for researchers, policymakers, and communities worldwide. She not only gave an overview about the abstract level of plastic waste in the oceans, but she also encouraged students to take part in a hands-on exercise by collecting waste around the streets of Malmö to illustrate the scale of the problem. Within just 15 minutes, the students collectively gathered about 23.6 kilograms of waste, clearly demonstrating how pervasive plastic and litter pollution is in our daily lives. The students then proceeded to develop solutions to the plastic pollution problem and targeted specific items in the discussion.

PARTNER:

This lecture was organised in collaboration with the SEA-U Centre of the City of Malmö. The WMU Team would like to thank the team of the SEA-U Centre for their continued support in developing teaching activities.

For more information please contact the WMU-GOI at goisecretariat@wmu.se

About the World Maritime University

MORE ABOUT WMUclick here

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.

MORE ABOUT wmu-goiclick here

About SEA-U Centre (Marint Kunskap Centre Malmö)

For 20 years, the Marine Education Center has developed the educational activities that are now conducted at the Marine Education Center and naturum Öresund, this is where we accept school classes and is open to the public throughout the year. We want everyone, regardless of background and opportunities – to access knowledge about the ocean and become ocean-aware. Our operations are based in Malmö and are financed by the city of Malmö and through our project assignments.

MORE ABOUT SEA-U CENTREclick here

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Asia House Students Visit: Presentation on Career Pathway in Maritime Affairs

ambre — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:38:56 +0000

On 25 September 2025, Dr. Aleke Stöfen-O’Brien, Associate Professor at the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI), delivered a presentation to students from Asia House Denmark in the Sasakawa Auditorium at the World Maritime University (WMU), Malmö, Sweden.

Asia House Students Visit:

"How can a Maritime career look like"

The event welcomed around 40 high school students, offering them an introduction to maritime affairs and ocean governance, as well as an overview of the diverse career opportunities within these fields.

Dr. Stöfen-O’Brien shared insights from her own professional journey, emphasizing that ocean governance is not limited to seafarers alone. She highlighted how lawyers, political scientists, and experts from many other disciplines all contribute to shaping sustainable and equitable ocean governance. Her key message to the students was to follow their passion when choosing a career path: rather than pursuing the most financially promising option, they should engage in work that inspires and motivates them.

Following the presentation, the students enjoyed a traditional Swedish fika, complete with lively conversations and talks and, of course, kanelbullar!

For more information please contact the WMU-GOI at goisecretariat@wmu.se

About the World Maritime University

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About wmu-goi

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About Asia House Denmark

Asia House Denmark is a non-profit organization and cultural institution in Copenhagen that works to strengthen relations between Denmark and Asia. Through educational initiatives, cultural exchanges, and business-oriented activities, Asia House fosters dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration between students, professionals, and institutions. The organization also provides opportunities for young people to learn about global challenges, international cooperation, and career pathways connected to Asia and beyond.

MORE ABOUT ASIA HOUSE DKclick here

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Regional Workshop on the Law of the Sea and Ocean Governance for the Wider Indian Ocean region

ambre — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:56:42 +0000

From 20 to 23 September 2025, Mr. Suriya Narayanan Sundararajan, PhD candidate and Research Fellow at the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI), took part in the Regional Workshop on the Law of the Sea and Ocean Governance for the wider Indian Ocean Region; the first law of the sea workshop post the 60th ratification of the BBNJ Agreement. In alignment with his doctoral research on the interface between ocean observation technologies and the ocean law architecture to address the harmful effects of offshore activities in the Indian Ocean, his participation in the workshop provided a meaningful avenue to link scholarly analysis with regional capacity development efforts under the Future Ocean Programme.

The event was convened by the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources of the Republic of Maldives.

Photo from the ©United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNDOALOS)

Strengthening Capacity and Regional Cooperation

The workshop was conceived as a capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening knowledge of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and fostering deeper regional cooperation on issues of ocean governance.
The event drew representation not only from the host nation’s institutions, including the President’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Maldives National University, and NGOs such as IUCN Maldives but also from a wide spectrum of regional governments, intergovernmental bodies, and international organizations. This rich assembly reflected the shared recognition that the health of the ocean, and the governance frameworks that sustain it, cannot be secured in isolation.

Photos from the ©United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNDOALOS)

Mr. Suriya Narayanan Sundararajan

Perspectives from Across the Indian Ocean

Among the participants were senior officials from Prime Ministers’ Offices, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Ministries of Fisheries and the Department of Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) in countries in such as Pakistan, Thailand, Iran, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Timor-Leste, Yemen and Oman. Delegates from the Bay of Bengal Programme and the Indian Ocean Commission, contributed perspectives shaped by their own complex maritime contexts. Technical expertise provided by global bodies such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime added a complementary dimension on law enforcement and transnational issues.

Representatives from government agencies, international organizations, and technical experts came together with a shared purpose — to explore the evolving challenges of the oceans and to build regimes-based, institutional and technical capabilities required to meet them.

Legal, Policy, and Environmental Challenges

Over the course of the workshop, participants reflected on the complex legal and policy frameworks that define the rights and responsibilities of states under UNCLOS in the region. Special attention was given to the governance of maritime zones, including territorial seas, exclusive economic zones (EEZs), and continental shelves; the effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement; as well as to the delicate processes of boundary delimitation that often demand both technical precision and diplomatic skill.

The conversations broadened to embrace the pressing realities of environmental change such as climate impacts, sea-level rise, pollution, and the sustainable use of living marine resources, especially fisheries, all of which weigh heavily on coastal and island nations of the Indian Ocean.

Advancing Regional Ocean Governance

The spirit of the workshop was not merely technical but collaborative, weaving together the experiences of practitioners, policymakers, and experts on natural sciences, law and diplomacy. In doing so, it sought to nurture a shared understanding of the oceans as a common heritage, demanding stewardship and solidarity. By the close of the event, participants left with a deeper appreciation of the tools and mechanisms available under international law, as well as a clearer sense of the capacity gaps that must still be addressed.

Photo from the ©United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNDOALOS)

An important moment in the programme was the Round Table Discussion on Capacity-Building Needs in Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea. This session served as an open forum for participants to articulate the specific challenges faced within their national and regional contexts. The dialogue brought to light a range of sub-regional concerns, including the persistent need for technical training, the strengthening of institutional frameworks and the development of more robust responses to climate change and marine pollution. Delegates emphasized that while national efforts are important, many of these issues transcend borders and require cooperative approaches at the regional and sub-regional levels. The discussion underscored the urgency of sustained investment in education, legal expertise, and technological support to empower states to meet their obligations under international law.

outcomes

The outcomes of the meeting point toward a future of stronger regional coordination and more coherent national strategies. Countries expressed a commitment to integrating the lessons of the workshop into their policies, to seek further technical assistance where needed, and to explore opportunities for enhanced data sharing and cooperative research. In this way, the workshop did more than transfer knowledge; it planted the seeds of a networked community across the Indian Ocean, one poised to defend and sustain the marine environment in the face of the profound challenges that lie ahead.

The insights and commitments emerging from this workshop also resonate strongly with the vision of the Future Ocean Programme, reinforcing its mission to address biodiversity loss, climate change, and marine pollution while shaping the governance of the high seas over the next half century.

For more information please contact the WMU-GOI at goisecretariat@wmu.se

About the World Maritime University

MORE ABOUT WMUclick here

About wmu-goi

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About Public International Maritime Law (PIML)

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), adopted in 1982, is widely regarded as the “constitution of the oceans.” It establishes the legal framework governing all aspects of ocean use, including navigation rights, maritime zones, resource management, and environmental protection. By balancing the rights and responsibilities of coastal and landlocked states alike, UNCLOS provides the foundation for international cooperation and peaceful dispute settlement, ensuring that the world’s oceans are managed as a shared space for the benefit of present and future generations.

MORE ABOUT UNCLOSclick here

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Inaugural NMF-KAS International Seminar on Public International Maritime Law (PIML) 2025

ambre — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 07:42:32 +0000

On 18 and 19 September 2025, Mr. Suriya Narayanan Sundararajan, PhD candidate and Research Fellow at the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI), took part in a panel session titled "Deciphering the Exclusive Economic Zone" at the Inaugural NMF-KAS International Seminar on Public International Maritime Law (PIML) 2025, whose theme was “Collaborative Solutions to Legal Challenges of Public International Maritime Law (PIML) in the Indo-Pacific.”

Photo from the ©National Maritime Foundation

Inaugural NMF-KAS International Seminar

on Public International Maritime Law (PIML) 2025

In recognition of the importance and urgency of finding solutions to the several challenges confronting nation-States in terms of Public International Maritime Law (PIML), the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), New Delhi, and the India office of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) have initiated what is intended as an annual series of international seminars.
The inaugural two-day seminar in New Delhi convened a conclave of international and national (Indian) scholars, PIML experts, and practitioners to deliberate upon the optimal solutions to the several complexities of public international maritime law—so as to better advise governments and private entities towards fostering a safer, more secure, and a legally stable and sustainable maritime environment.

During the session “Deciphering the Exclusive Economic Zone,” Mr. Suriya Narayanan shared the dais with Prof. Gudmundur Eiríksson, Dr. Sanjeet Ruhal, and Advocate V.J. Mathew. His presentation, titled “Marine Scientific Research in the Exclusive Economic Zone: Legal Position of Claims under UNCLOS 1982,” was part of his research study concerning Ocean Observation Technologies and the need to harmonise international standards governing such technologies and artificial intelligence in the Indian Ocean Region.

Photo from the ©National Maritime Foundation

For more information please contact the WMU-GOI at goisecretariat@wmu.se

About the World Maritime University

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About wmu-goi

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About Public International Maritime Law (PIML)

The Public International Maritime Law (PIML) initiative is a new platform launched by NMF and KAS to address pressing legal challenges at sea, with a particular focus on the Indo-Pacific. By convening experts, practitioners, and policymakers in annual seminars, PIML seeks to foster dialogue, clarify legal frameworks under UNCLOS, and develop collaborative solutions to emerging issues such as marine scientific research, new technologies, and maritime security—supporting a safer, more stable, and sustainable maritime order.

MORE ABOUT PIMLclick here

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WMU Hosts Annual Seminar for Port Security Officers

ambre — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:09:11 +0000

On 17-18 September, the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI) of the World Maritime University (WMU) hosted a Seminar to support capacity development for Port Security Officers (PSO). The seminar was co-organized with Nordic Crisis Management and participants included 18 PSOs from the Scandinavian Region.

PORT SECURITY OFFICER (PSO)

ANNUAL SEMINAR

The objective of the seminar was to qualify and update the participants on regulations, routines and best practices in their duties related to maritime security.
The seminar also included a table-top exercise based on a realistic scenario reflecting the current security situation.

The seminar also showcased the GOI’s Future Ocean Programme, which is funded by The Nippon Foundation. Participants were introduced to Pillar 3, Ocean Observation Technologies, and explored potential applications as well as the challenges they pose for Scandinavian ports.

For more information please contact the WMU-GOI at goisecretariat@wmu.se

About the World Maritime University

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INC5.2: Towards a Global Plastics Treaty

ambre — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:54:34 +0000

From 5 to 15 August 2025, Associate Professor Aleke Stöfen-O´Brien, at the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI), attended the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC5.2) to develop a global plastic treaty as part of the delegation of the International Maritime Organisation.

Second part of the fifth session (INC5.2)

of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on an internationally legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment

INC5.2 was tasked with developing an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
The session, held under considerable anticipation, concluded without agreement on the treaty text — a result that reflects both the complexity of the issue and the persistence of deep political and technical divisions among states.

Key areas of divergence included proposals to limit plastic production, the development of criteria for plastic products, the establishment of a financial mechanism to support implementation, and the decision-making structure of the future agreement. These topics remain highly sensitive and politically charged, particularly given the differing capacities, priorities, and interests of states.

Nevertheless, it would be inaccurate to characterise INC5.2 as a failure. Despite the lack of consensus, the session did see progress in identifying areas of convergence and refining options in several parts of the draft text. A sign that while divisions remain, there is a shared understanding of the urgency of the issue and a collective commitment to continue moving forward.

The Road Ahead

The road to ending plastic pollution will not be straightforward, but the global momentum behind this process remains strong — and the stakes could not be higher.

For more information please contact the WMU-GOI at goisecretariat@wmu.se

About the World Maritime University

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About wmu-goi

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About INC5.2

In March 2022, at the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), Member States adopted a historic resolution (5/14) mandating the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to convene an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment

The INC has since held sessions in Uruguay (2022), France (2023), Kenya (2023), Canada (2024), and Korea (2024). The process continued with the second part of its fifth session (INC-5.2), convened from 5 to 14 August 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

MORE ABOUT incclick here

MORE ABOUT inc5.2click here

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Lecture “Introduction to Law of the Sea” at Lund University Faculty of Law

ambre — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 12:19:10 +0000

On September 8, Dr. Aleke Stöfen-O’Brien, Associate Professor (Research/Ocean Sustainability, Governance & Management) at the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI), delivered a lecture at Lund University’s Eden lecture hall titled “Introduction to Law of the Sea.”

LECTURE: "Introduction to law of the sea"

The two-hour lecture, hosted by the Faculty of Law at Lund University, was attended by final-bachelor-year law students as part of a four-week programme designed to expose them to broader aspects of public international law.

In her lecture, Dr. Stöfen-O’Brien provided students with a comprehensive introduction to the international legal framework governing the ocean. She outlined the development of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and explained its jurisdictional zones and general legal debates surrounding baselines, archipelagic waters, and the impacts of sea-level rise on maritime boundaries, by way of example. By referring to Swedish waters, such as the Öresund Sound, she explained how waters between states are divided and used.

The students also learned about the history of concepts such as mare liberum and mare clausum, the codification of the Law of the Sea (LOS), and the role of international courts including the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Dr. Stöfen-O’Brien further discussed the broader institutional context, introducing the United Nations system, its specialized agencies, and in particular the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as the global regulatory body for shipping. She also highlighted the mission and work of the World Maritime University in training postgraduate students and advancing ocean-related research.

For more information please contact the WMU-GOI at goisecretariat@wmu.se

About the World Maritime University

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About wmu-goi

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About Lund University Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law at Lund University is one of Scandinavia’s oldest and most prestigious law schools, offering programmes from undergraduate to doctoral levels. With a strong focus on international and interdisciplinary perspectives, the faculty encourages students to explore both traditional and emerging areas of law, including maritime and environmental law. Its dynamic academic environment provides an ideal setting for engaging lectures on complex topics such as the Law of the Sea.

MORE ABOUT the faculty of lawclick here

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HELMEPA Academy Training Program: “Ocean Technology & Marine Biodiversity”

ambre — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 08:03:53 +0000

WEBINAR: "ocean technology & marine biodiversity"

2025 Refresher Training Program of HELMEPA Academy in cooperation with IMO’s prestigious World Maritime University (WMU) and member-company Andriaki Shipping

On Friday, 9 May 2025, Assistant Professor Aspasia delivered a presentation as part of the
2025 Refresher Training Program of the HELMEPA Academy. The webinar, titled "Ocean
Technology & Marine Biodiversity," was held from 10:00 to 12:00 EEST and attracted 130
participants.

The presentation introduced participants to the third pillar of the Future of the Ocean
Program, which focuses on the role of ocean technologies in addressing the triple planetary
crisis. It also explored current challenges within the existing policy framework surrounding
marine technology and biodiversity governance.

ABOUT THE WORLD MARITIME UNIVERSITY

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About THE WMU-SASAKAWA GLOBAL OCEAN INSTITUTE

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About THE metavasea project

The METAVASEA project focuses on addressing the human-centered aspects of shipping's transition to low- and zero-carbon fuels and technologies, particularly in the East Mediterranean region, which is experiencing rapid climate change. While much attention is given to technical solutions and funding for research and development, this project emphasizes the importance of considering the impact on seafarers, port workers, maritime professionals, and marine communities. It aims to empower these groups through blended reskilling, upskilling, and training tools to support their transition to a decarbonized future. By prioritizing the health and safety of the maritime workforce and protecting the environment and livelihoods, the project seeks to ensure a people-centered approach to the decarbonization of the shipping industry.

MORE ABOUT METAVASEAclick here

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SAIL FOR IMPACT: WMU-GOI 7th anniversary x PVO Expeditions

ambre — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:44:48 +0000

On May 8th, the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI) marked its 7th anniversary with the event “Sail for Impact”, co-hosted with PVO Expeditions. The celebration brought together Ph.D. and MSc students from the World Maritime University (WMU), researchers from the GOI and Ocean-related programmes, the PVO team, and fellow ocean professionals for a teaching day dedicated to ocean awareness, sustainability, and collaborative impact.

WMU-GOI ANNIVERSARY x PVO EXPEDITIONS

Exploring Sailing as a Tool for Human Development & Ocean Awareness

The event was made possible with the generous support of the City of Malmö’s Harbour Master, the Marine Education Center, and the Global Ocean Leadership Initiative (GOLI).

Sailing Expedition - an afternoon on the water

The day began with opening remarks by Professor Ronán Long, Director of the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute, alongside representatives from PVO Expeditions. The Professor welcomed everyone and took the opportunity to highlight donors and partners to GOI on the occasion of its 7 year anniversary, and to thank colleagues across the team for their contributions to the success of its programmes and activities.

PVO Expedition’s Managing Director, Junhee Cho, welcomed the group, briefly introducing the mission of their non-profit, and expressing deep appreciation for the collaboration with WMU-GOI to deliver a memorable experience on the city’s iconic waterfront.

Participants then moved to Malmö Harbour, where Jonas Malm, Harbour Master at the Malmö Harbour Authority, delivered a warm welcome address, highlighting how the Sea has shaped the identity of the city of Malmö - linking it to the Baltic Sea and making it an important trading post in the middle ages and one of Sweden’s most important industrial and maritime cities in the 19th Century with the expansion of its docks and infrastructure to support shipbuilding, manufacturing, and international trade.

The highlight of the event was a guided sailing expedition around the Port of Malmö. Participants experienced hands-on sailing under the guidance of skilled skippers. All students were engaged and thrilled with the experience, and some even exclaimed it was their first time on a sailing boat.

Ocean research - a session of dialogue and exchange

Following the sailing session, an informal reception offered space for networking and exchange. The GOI and PVO teams engaged with attendees, responded to questions, and shared insights about their work and shared mission.

This dynamic gathering successfully celebrated the Institute’s achievements while charting a path forward. It underscored the synergy between GOI’s mission of ocean sustainability and governance, and PVO Expeditions’ focus on ocean advocacy, emotional resilience, and storytelling through sea-based experiences.

Education and Outreach - make a difference

The “Sail for Impact” event emphasized the role of sailing not only as a sport or leisure activity, but as a powerful tool for ocean literacy and sustainable development. It highlighted the need for experiential approaches in ocean education and outreach, through programming, research, and public engagement fostering meaningful connections with the ocean.

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Post event material to SAIL for IMPACT: WMU-GOI ANNIVERSARY x PVO EXPEDITIONS EVENT

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About the 12th annual World Ocean Summit & Expo

The World Ocean Summit, hosted by Economist Impact with the support of The Nippon Foundation, is a leading global platform dedicated to accelerating the transition to a sustainable ocean economy. The 12th edition, held in Tokyo in 2025, brought together a diverse range of stakeholders—from business and finance to government, civil society, and academia—to foster collaboration and drive action on ocean health. Set against Japan’s rich maritime heritage, the summit focused on ocean stewardship, innovation, and practical solutions to marine challenges, paving the way for progress on UN SDG 14, focused on the ocean.

MORE ABOUT the summitclick here

About PVO Expeditions

PVO Expeditions is a Copenhagen-based nonprofit sailing initiative dedicated to ocean advocacy, personal development, and impact-driven storytelling. Through immersive sailing experiences, PVO empowers individuals and organizations to explore how time at sea nurtures resilience, leadership, and environmental responsibility. Their work blends science, creativity, and community to inspire new ways of living in harmony with the ocean.

MORE PVO EXPEDITIONSclick here

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