Senka Šekularac-Ivošević
Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
Being a Part of Global Change: Key Insights from the 2025 WMU Conference
From May 19 to 21, 2025, I had the honor of participating in the international conference „Advancing the Blue Economy through Gender Equality”, organized by the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden. The conference focused on gender equality within the blue economy and gathered experts and practitioners from around the world with a shared goal: to create sustainable, inclusive, and innovative solutions to challenges in areas such as Safety at Sea & Environmental Protection, Human Rights & Well-being, and the Blue Economy.
My participation was facilitated by the EU COST Action CA23103—Life, Liberty, and Health: Ensuring Universal Protection of Human Rights at Sea (BlueRights)—a network that not only supports researcher mobility and stakeholder collaboration but also encourages participation in conferences, workshops, training schools, and short-term scientific missions to advance the field of human rights at sea. I am grateful for this opportunity, as it allowed me to attend an exceptional event and actively participate in meaningful discussions. I look forward to contributing to future international initiatives focused on people at sea. Additionally, I take pride in the opportunity to contribute to the development of my local community and my home country, Montenegro.
There were several inspirational speeches from keynote speakers and panelists with highlighted messages that have stayed with me as profound impressions and recommendations for further actions:
- Gender equality is essential for a sustainable blue economy. Solutions for the future maritime industry must be fair, responsible, and inclusive.
- Progress in equality exists, but is rather slow, while words without concrete actions are insufficient. Genuine commitment to change is necessary.
- Maritime education as a means to empower all individuals is the key. A modernized training, development of competencies, and support for diverse talents lead to long-term solutions.
- Diversity strengthens the maritime sector. Inclusive and diverse communities bring greater resilience, innovation, and safety in the maritime community.
- The decision-making process must include all voices. A fair distribution of responsibilities and governance lead to better policies and outcomes.
- The right time for change is now.
WMU 2025 Conference Workshops that Drive Change
During the conference, I participated in two highly significant workshops.
The first workshop focused on sustainability in modern maritime practices and analyzed the complex relationship between safety and accountability. A key challenge identified was the need to promote the deeper understanding of human dimension in the sector—the investment in people as a crucial factor in maritime sustainability. The conclusion was clear: highly motivated and empowered human beings can bring all technical and legal resources to be fully effective.
The second workshop centered on strategies for gender equality promotion and highlighted proposals such as digital marketing, involvement in global institutions, and the necessity for prominent individuals to take visible and transparent roles within the community.
The Strength of Unity and Inspiration from Around the World
One of the most rewarding aspects of my participation in the conference was collaboration with colleagues from all over the world, as this event gathered participants from nearly 30 countries. Among them, I am particularly grateful to Professor Anna Petrig and Professor Momoko Kitada, with whom I had open and inspiring discussions about stronger involvement in the organization of future EU COST events in Montenegro.
The idea that especially inspired me was the Maritime Speakers program, recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) International, through which female leaders publicly share their knowledge and experiences and motivate others to engage in public discussions, conferences, and panels. Excited by this initiative, I applied on the same evening of May the 19th, to participate in the Maritime Speakers program, with a sincere desire to contribute my voice and experience to the maritime community—because I believe words have power, especially when they come from an empowered, enlightened, and authentic personal and professional authority.
One of the most inspiring moments during the conference was my conversation with the President of WISTA International. During our discussion, we addressed the possibility of including Montenegro in the WISTA network, which would represent a significant step toward a better visibility of women in the Montenegrin maritime industry.
Additionally, it was enormous pleasure to meet wonderful PhD and master’s students from WMU, with whom I not only collaborated during workshops but also spent time in informal gatherings in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Malmö. These experiences further strengthened the sense of community and confirmed the value of such global gatherings.
„If You Want to Go Fast, Go Alone. If You Want to Go Far, Go Together”—African Proverb
Participating in the Conference was a true turning point for me and a genuine „game changer”. This experience was not just an opportunity for learning but also for personal and professional growth. Being among individuals who are empowered and have become personal brands in their professions was a privilege.
The strength of community particularly inspired me. I met people from developing regions, much like me, since I come from a country on the path to EU integration. Their strength is a proof that global outcomes are achievable with dedication and belief in the right values.
This conference was not just an event – it was an inspiration and a call to action. A call that emphasizes the strength within us – comprising our knowledge, courage, and readiness to face global maritime challenges. May such events inspire us to be leaders in our lives, to be courageous in our decisions, and to be beacons of hope and change for others.
This blog is based upon work of COST Action CA23103 – Life, Liberty and Health: Ensuring Universal Protection of Human Rights at Sea (BlueRights), supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).