The United Arab Emirates hosted the World Maritime Day Parallel Event 2025, which took place from 29 September to 1 October, bringing together global experts to address key challenges and innovations in the maritime sector. The three-day event, organized by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure under the theme: “Our Ocean – Our Obligation – Our Opportunity”, focused on ocean sustainability, maritime innovation, and capacity development for sustainable oceans.
Global Maritime Dialogue
The event brings together ministers, officials and experts from around the world to address strategic challenges facing the global maritime transport industry and identify pathways for its advancement in accordance with sustainable practices.
The event saw as well prominent participation from the Embassy of the Republic of Panama in Dubai, represented by H.E. Lisa Mae Mastellari, Ambassador of Panama to the UAE, and Octavio Rangel, Head of the Technical Office in Dubai. Panama’s engagement underscored its longstanding leadership in international maritime affairs and its pivotal role in supporting global dialogue on sustainable oceans.
Key Partner for IMO
Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, highlighted the UAE’s hosting as a reflection of its status as a key partner for the IMO and its commitment to strengthening engagement across the shipping industry. He noted that the IMO is working to keep pace with technological advances in maritime transport, including autonomous ship software, cyber risk management, and enhanced training requirements to ensure efficiency and safety.
Dominguez further emphasized the IMO’s current priorities: protecting the marine environment, supporting seafarers, and promoting inclusivity and transparency through digitalisation and modern technologies. He also commended the UAE’s active partnership as a model of joint action, shaping a more sustainable and innovative future for the global shipping industry.
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Key Disccussions
The first day featured three comprehensive panel discussions tackling critical issues such as decarbonisation, marine plastic pollution, and the blue economy. Panelists stressed that protecting the oceans is a shared global responsibility, highlighting the role of maritime education, youth engagement, and emerging technologies, including digitalization and artificial intelligence, in shaping the sector’s future.
The second day focused on capacity development and the protection of biodiversity in the high seas, including discussions on the historic Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and its implications for international shipping operations. Human capacity development was underscored as pivotal to sustainable maritime practices.
Event Highlights
Other discussions explored alternative marine fuels, green shipping corridors, carbon pricing mechanisms, and fleet modernization, alongside strategies to enhance port resilience amid climate challenges. Additionally, a separate session focused on marine plastic waste management, emphasizing compliance with international regulations and the adoption of innovative onboard and port waste management technologies.
The event reinforced the UAE’s position as a leading platform for international maritime dialogue, fostering collaboration between policymakers and industry experts to advance sustainable solutions and innovation in the global shipping sector.
