When we talk about creating a sustainable future for the maritime sector, we must not forget that the definition of sustainability has multiple dimensions.
For instance, in addition to adopting solutions that reduce the environmental impact of shipping, the maritime industry must engage future generations. This means we need to understand that most professionals from Generation Y and Generation Z view diversity and environmental protection as principles of work rather than mere aspirations.
The 2023 Deloitte Generation Z and Generation Y Survey showed that many members of these generations make career decisions based on their values and want to work for organizations where they feel empowered to drive change. While the cost of living is a significant concern for both generations, combating climate change is seen as one of the "top three" values. The survey also revealed that satisfaction with employers' efforts regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has increased since 2019, yet this remains one of the reasons survey participants reject job offers.
Industries worldwide are striving to reduce their environmental impact, and the maritime sector is no exception. The recently revised strategy of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions included a strengthened common goal of reaching net zero by 2050.
Encouragingly, the changing attitudes towards the environment are finally receiving the attention they deserve in the maritime sector, with DEI values now recognized as one of the top priorities for change, alongside decarbonization and digitalization. All these focus areas are also creating new roles and opportunities that help level the playing field between men and women in maritime, both of whom possess the desired skills and experience.
While it is easy to focus on one's own geography, shipping is a global business where understanding the complexity of operations is crucial, and different standards may apply regarding what "progress" represents in various locations. Addressing challenges and opportunities on a global scale requires individual regions to have the support and resources they need to implement real change.
In recent years, WISTA has continued to grow both in membership and geographical reach, with one of the regions experiencing significant growth being Latin America. Given Latin America's dynamic rise as a shipping and trading hub through its international port network and its substantial contribution to both regional and global economies via inland waterways, this growth is particularly welcomed.
Acknowledging the region's importance in global shipping and trade, WISTA has chosen to host its Annual Conference and General Assembly from October 23-27 in Montevideo, Uruguay. This conference will be held for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere and will focus on significant maritime and trade activities that have made Latin America such an important part of the global economy, while also examining the sector's journey towards a greener and better world, both in Latin America and beyond, in the digital future.
Support for Women in Maritime Worldwide
The role of DEI and women in shipping and trade will naturally form a significant part of the discussions at the end of this month, as women increasingly take part in and become integrated into the maritime industry in Latin America. It is estimated that over 25% of students in Maritime Academies in the region are women, and there is also a growing number of women in board-level positions within port authorities and other maritime businesses.
Additionally, WISTA is sponsoring 15 women from maritime academies to attend the conference to support the next generation of female mariners. Funding provided by the TK Foundation will give these women the opportunity to meet with other industry professionals and participate in workshops and discussions during the event.
Women currently make up only 2% of the maritime workforce and, as highlighted by the IMO/WISTA Women in Maritime Survey, only 29% of the overall workforce in the maritime industry.
These figures clearly remind us why WISTA exists and the ongoing necessity of our work: we need more women in all roles and on all boards. This does not overshadow the progress made; however, we can only claim true success when diversity and inclusion are the starting point of discussions.
While the primary aim of the WISTA International Conference is to bring the sector together to discuss how to address upcoming challenges, it also serves as an opportunity to share knowledge and provide examples of how change is being implemented. The old cliché that "actions speak louder than words" has never been truer than it is today, and we have reached a point where we must move beyond discussions on both DEI and sustainability and begin to put measures in place that will bring about change that is both effective and systemic.
As the President of WISTA International, I call on organizations to engage and empower their employees to drive change, share lessons learned, and remain open to new ideas and collaborations. Each of us has a role to play in securing the future of the sector, but achieving the urgently needed change will be impossible without taking action.
For more information and registration regarding this year's General Assembly, please visit here.
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Source: www.denizhaber.com