WISTA International - Experts & Thought Leaders

WISTA International AGM and Conference 2024, which took place 9–11 October in Limassol, Cyprus, marked the association’s 50th anniversary with a memorable programme, three new national associations, the announcement of a new Equity Fund, and a broadening of objectives.  Bringing together over 350 delegates from all sectors of maritime, trading, and logistics, the event was notable for being the first WISTA conference attended by a national leader, with Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, delivering the first keynote address. Diversity and women’s leadership Highlighting the strong contribution shipping makes to the Cyprus economy, Christodoulides described gender equality as “an integral part of sustainable growth”, and WISTA’s mission to promote diversity and women’s leadership as “vital”. He also acknowledged that WISTA Cyprus had contributed to consultations behind his government’s National Strategy on Gender Equality 2024-2026. Shipping Deputy Minister Cyprus Marina Hadjimanolis, who was also among the speakers, will work with the Commissioner for Gender Equality on a new study of gender ratio, trends, needs, and challenges to crystallise future government action on equality and inclusion.  Keynote address He advocates not only in his words but also by refusing to speak on panels comprised solely of men In her speech, Hadjimanolis observed that the “WISTA family transcends beyond borders, nationalities or religion”. She commended “a force of passionate and dynamic women, working tirelessly for gender equality and the global empowerment of women in shipping." International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez offered an inspiring keynote, focusing on the need for shipping to demonstrate change, which he advocates not only in his words but by refusing to speak on panels comprised solely of men. WISTA’s recent growth WISTA International President Elpi Petraki described this as a “shining example of leadership that set a powerful precedent for others to follow”. In an uplifting and wide-ranging keynote, Petraki spoke of her pride regarding WISTA’s impressive recent growth, standing at 5,200 members globally, and explained how the association’s goals have evolved since its inception in 1974. She said, “Our initial aim to attract, support, and empower women in the maritime, trade, and logistics sectors remains at the heart of our mission, but now we have our sights set on broader objectives." DEI "In continuing to foster environments that uphold DEI, we contribute to the global push for sustainable shipping for the sake of future generations.” The broadening of its mission should not be mistaken for a change of direction, she emphasised. “We aim to build bridges that create synergies across all genders, ethnicities, and cultures. Our annual conferences are a celebration of our unity and achievements to date by the women, and men, who are driving change across the sector.” Empowerment of women in maritime Opening the WISTA International conference, Natalia Bury Loyal, President of WISTA Cyprus, said the event marked “half a century of empowering women in the maritime industry, championing diversity, and advancing equity in shipping and trade." "This is truly a moment for celebration, reflection, and looking forward to our shared future.” Conference agenda The potential for wider change across the sector was clear from a conference agenda which 2024 took as its theme Excellence in Maritime and International Trade Driven by Innovation and inspired a series of thought-provoking panel discussions. Highlights included Innovative Horizons: Pioneering Technologies Transforming the Maritime and Trade Industries, a panel on Anchoring Global Maritime and Trade Excellence - the Human Element at the Heart of Innovation, and a session titled Financing the Future, Navigating the Energy and Technology Transition in Maritime.  In a session titled Sea of Change: The Impact of Socioeconomic Turmoil and International Regulations on Innovation in Maritime and Trade, Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, also pointed to the 90,000-seafarer shortfall in the maritime workforce. National WISTA Associations The event officially welcomed three new National WISTA Associations (NWAs) to WISTA International, with the addition of representation from Honduras, China, and Costa Rica bringing the total number of member organisations to 62. WISTA International also formalised a new NWA Equity Fund to offer support to members in countries affected by financial or other challenges. 

The WISTA International AGM and Conference, scheduled for October 9-11, will mark the organisation's 50th anniversary. The event will bring together over 300 global pioneers, innovators, and advocates to discuss the intersections of innovation, diversity, and sustainability driving the future of global maritime and trade industries.  Series of panel discussions The conference will host a series of panel discussions that delve into topics such as financing the future of the maritime sector and the critical human element in driving innovation. Additionally, workshops will focus on innovation in enhancing global supply chains and further investigate methods for building a sustainable maritime workforce. Keynote address Keynote addresses from the President of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, IMO Secretary General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, and Futurist & Ecocentrist KD Adamson will highlight the event, which also offers unparalleled networking opportunities. WISTA connects over 5,100 professionals across 59 countries in the maritime, trading, and logistics sectors, fostering a unique community aimed at empowering women in these industries.

The second Women in Maritime Survey has been launched to gather important baseline data about women’s participation in the maritime and ocean fields. IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez issued a worldwide call to governments, companies, organisations and academic institutions to take part, stating: "Join me in championing diversity and fostering a barrier-free workplace for all by completing the survey, which will allow for a more targeted use of resources and ensure that we are well placed to navigate the challenges that the future brings." Women’s participation in maritime The survey takes a global snapshot of how many women work in these sectors and in what roles Conducted every three years by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International), the survey takes a global snapshot of how many women work in these sectors and in what roles.  The aim is to analyse trends and support the creation of programmes and policies to boost women’s participation in maritime. The previous study, published in 2021, highlighted a male-dominated sector, with women making up less than a third of the overall maritime workforce, and less than 2% of seafarers. IMO's long-standing advocacy WISTA International President, Ms. Elpi Petraki, stated: "This survey is more than just a data collection effort. It is a strategic move towards the evolution of our industry. The insights gathered can be used to develop forward-thinking policies that will elevate inclusion and diversity."  The survey includes two streams – one for IMO member governments and one for industry, including companies, non-governmental and intergovernmental organisations, and private maritime training institutes or academies. The survey runs from 2 September to 31 December 2024, with the final report to be published in May 2025.  The Women in Maritime survey The Women in Maritime survey is part of IMO's long-standing advocacy and technical cooperation efforts to enhance women’s empowerment and advance gender balance in the maritime sector.