Brussels, Belgium. Cyprus used maritime events in Chios and Brussels this week to promote its shipping priorities, with Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis calling for stronger cooperation, wider inclusion and more opportunities for the next generation of maritime professionals.
Chios forum highlights global shipping challenges
Hadjimanolis travelled to Chios on May 7, where she took part in the 1st Mare Forum Chios and delivered the conference’s keynote address.
During her remarks, she referred to major challenges facing global shipping and stressed the need for cooperation, collective action and joint initiatives as the sector faces geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory pressure and rapid technological change.
She said Cyprus must help ensure that Europe speaks with a clear and coordinated voice in global maritime affairs, while remaining aligned with international frameworks and the International Maritime Organisation, which she described as the main forum for developing global maritime rules.
Brussels conference focuses on equal opportunities and inclusion
Cyprus placed gender equality in maritime on the European agenda during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with Gender Equality Commissioner Josie Christodoulou calling for the shipping industry to move from declarations to substantive and measurable policies.
Speaking at the High-Level Conference on Equal Opportunities and Inclusion in Shipping in Brussels, organised by the Shipping Deputy Ministry, Christodoulou said “the future of shipping must be built on equal opportunities, merit and inclusion, rather than on systems that continue to exclude women.”
The conference was held in the context of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union and brought together representatives of European institutions, international organisations and senior executives from the shipping industry.
In her keynote address, Christodoulou said that “real change requires political courage, corporate responsibility and collective action,” adding that institutions must be willing to challenge existing structures and promote substantive reforms.
Cyprus Shipping Chamber meeting in Limassol reviews sector outlook
The Cyprus Shipping Chamber held its 37th annual general meeting in Limassol on Wednesday, bringing together Cyprus’ political leadership, government officials, industry representatives and associates from Cyprus and abroad to discuss the sector’s outlook, challenges and priorities.
The general meeting focused on the chamber’s work to support, promote and strengthen Cyprus shipping internationally, as the sector faces growing geopolitical, regulatory and competitiveness pressures.
How do you think stronger cooperation and inclusion could shape the future of the shipping industry?
