Advancing the Blue Economy through Gender Equality
MALMÖ, Sweden — From 19-21 May, the World Maritime University (WMU) hosted the International Conference on Advancing the Blue Economy through Gender Equality, bringing together global leaders, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals to explore how gender equality drives sustainable growth in ocean-based sectors.
In his remarks at the sold out event, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr, WMU President, highlighted that although notable strides have been made towards gender equality, progress has been frustratingly slow. He cautioned that as we harness the wealth of our oceans, it must be ensured that we avoid replicating inequalities that have held back progress in many sectors and nations. There are solutions, but the next steps require active implementation to capture the limitless potential of the blue economy for advancing economic progress. “We must ensure that the blue economy we are building is not only economically robust, but also socially just, ecologically responsible and profoundly inclusive,” said President Mejia. He reiterated that WMU’s commitment to gender equality goes beyond the classroom to shape every aspect of the University’s work from recruitment and research to publications and symposia.
In his keynote address, Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization and Chancellor of WMU noted there are only five years remaining until the 2030 deadline for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He maintained that gender equality should be recognized as a catalyst that can accelerate progress in ocean related and blue economy areas, such as poverty reduction, climate action, and decent work and economic growth. “The maritime sector must play its part in achieving these global objectives,” said Mr Dominguez. “We all share a collective responsibility to ensure that shipping not only adapts but thrives. The maritime sector must be dynamic and forward-thinking, embracing diversity and inclusivity to foster innovation and resilience”.
Engaging panel discussions featured thought leaders from around the world who shared their insights and visions on the critical role of gender equality in advancing the blue economy. The first panel of speakers on the theme of Safety at Sea & Environmental Protection highlighted the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Emphasis included that empowering women does not diminish the role of men but strengthens the maritime sector overall through fairer, more inclusive participation. The panel also stressed that maritime education plays a vital role in promoting safety, security and environmental stewardship, by equipping all individuals with critical knowledge and skills, and fostering a culture of responsibility and preparedness across the industry. Suggestions included gender inclusive policies, dedicated spaces in seafarers’ associations, and supportive infrastructure to encourage female participation.
Panellists on the theme of Human Rights & Well-being called for stronger policies and enforcement mechanisms to protect seafarers, particularly women and LGBTQ+ individuals from harassment, discrimination and unsafe working conditions. Alarming statistics, including reports of sexual harassment, gender-based discrimination and lack of basic sanitary facilities, highlighted the urgent need for change. The role of maritime education and leadership was emphasized in shaping safer, more inclusive environments to instill respect for human rights and actively promote women in leadership roles to drive cultural change and ensure the well-being of all seafarers.
In the Blue Economy session, panellists emphasized that sustainable development goes beyond economics and must also center on social equity and environmental responsibility. Community-led, gender-sensitive approaches that engage women, men and youth are crucial to driving long-term change. Real-world examples such as involving men in transitioning from harmful livelihoods like sand mining, demonstrate how local action can address environmental degradation and promote coastal resilience. It was stressed that committed actions, even if imperfect, when multiplied across communities can create meaningful impact. Supporting locally driven adaptation efforts rooted in ethics, inclusion and existing global transitions, helps build resilient blue economies, reduce climate migration and ensure that traditionally marginalized voices are part of shaping a sustainable future.
Breaking away from the traditional conference format, after each panel, RE-DO Lookout hosted interactive workshops that fostered collaboration, networking, and innovation, as participants in breakout rooms explored solutions to key challenges facing the future of the blue economy. The RE-DO team also hosted a conclusions session featuring participants from the various workshop groups who shared the respective discussions and insights on the conference themes.
A dedicated Deep Dive Project Session focused on a new report published by Lloyd's Register Foundation, and based on research conducted by WMU. Deep dive on seafarer sustainability: Supporting the opportunity for Africa and women to create a sustainable supply of seafarers for the future, highlights that investment in Africa and support for more women to play a significant part in maritime roles provides a viable option in a sustainable future for seafarers. Key recommendations include increasing women’s participation, modernizing training curricula, strengthening policy and regulation, enhancing industry collaboration, and leveraging Africa’s talent pool.
Overall, the event showcased a shared commitment to social transformation and sustainability in advancing the blue economy and the promising role that collaboration holds in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for our oceans. The conference Book of Abstracts, featuring selected submissions, reflects the rich diversity of research, case studies, and innovative approaches that informed and inspired discussions throughout the conference. To access the Book of Abstracts, click here.
The event included speakers from nearly 30 countries and a 33/67 percent male/female attendance overall. The conference was delivered in collaboration with REDO Lookout, Lloyd’s Register Foundation and COST-European Cooperation in Science and Technology - BlueRights, and supported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Floeshun Maritime Engineering Services Ltd.
