On December 8th, organized by the International Maritime Lecturers Association (IMLA), the Forum of Maritime Education for a Sustainable Development was held at SMU. Prof. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of World Maritime University, Mr. Gao Deyi, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress, Prof. Lu Jing, President of SMU, Prof. Shi Xin, Vice President of SMU, and Prof. Jin Yongxing, Chairman of IMLA attended the ceremony and delivered speeches. Over 160 maritime experts and scholars from more than 30 countries attended the online forum.
Mr. Kitack Lim, Secretary General of IMO, sent a video message to the Forum. He expressed congratulations to IMLA for its 40th anniversary. He commended IMLA for promoting the development and implementation of the international maritime conventions and highly appreciated IMLA for its achievements in advancing the global maritime education and capacity building in maritime field. The forum was a positive practice and response of ‘Sustainable Shipping for a Sustainable Planet’ - the theme of World Maritime Day 2020. He expected that IMLA could continue to support the green and sustainable development of global shipping industry with its professionals and global education resources.
Mr. Gao Deyi reviewed his working experience in IMLA. He appreciated IMLA’s positive contribution to the soft environment construction of Shanghai International Shipping Center since IMLA Shanghai Office inaugurated in 2013. He said that Shanghai is currently working hard to optimize the business environment of international organizations located in the city, providing a better operating environment for their development.
In Prof. Lu Jing’s speech, he said that SMU has supported the development of IMLA for decades with its professional advantages. The several IMO Model Course revision projects led by SMU and IMLA have become the reference and standards of world maritime education and training. In future, SMU will continue to support the construction and development of IMLA, promoting the sustainable development of maritime research, education and training.
Prof. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry pointed out that, as the leading pioneer in maritime education, IMLA has made great contribution to the exchanges and cooperation among maritime lecturers and institutions.
Prof. Jin Yongxing reviewed the 40 years’ development of IMLA. He said that with the joint support from all sectors of the industry, IMLA will continue to perform its duty well to promote the better development of maritime education. Membership representatives of IMLA delivered speeches respectfully and shared their working experience in IMLA.
During the panel discussion, Prof. Shi Xin and Prof. Clive Cole, the Secretary of IMLA, Prof. Takeshi Nakazawa, the Secretary of IAMU and other experts conducted in-depth discussions on intelligent ships, green shipping, the post-epidemic maritime education, and women's empowerment.
