Let’s change shipping

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.

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”.

Shipping Deputy Minister Cyprus Marina Hadjimanolis, who was also among the speakers, will work on a new study of gender ratio, trends, needs and challenges in order to crystallise future government action on equality and inclusion.

Hadjimanolis observed that the “WISTA family transcends beyond borders, nationalities or religion”.

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 family transcends beyond borders, nationalities or religion

WISTA International President Elpi Petraki described this as a “shining example of leadership that set a powerful precedent for others to follow”.

The broadening of its mission should not be mistaken for a change of direction, she emphasised. “Our aim is 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.”

The potential for wider change across the sector was clear from a conference agenda which this year took as its theme Excellence in Maritime and International Trade Driven by Innovation and inspired a series of thought-provoking panel discussions.

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