No One Left Adrift: Seafarers at the Cross Currents of Commerce, Conflict and Change was the theme of an international conference focused on seafarers' human rights, safety, and well-being, held in Manila, Philippines (1-3 September).
IMO's Mariana Noceti participated in the conference to address the issue of gender equality in the maritime industry. She outlined IMO's ongoing support for gender equality and the empowerment of women, including initiatives such as gender-specific fellowships and facilitating access to advanced technical training for women in developing countries. She emphasized the importance of establishing professional associations for women in maritime, particularly in developing regions, noting that these networks are key to improving gender balance across the industry. IMO has facilitated the establishment of eight Women in Maritime Associations (WIMAs).
The conference highlighted the importance of sustaining efforts to strengthen protection mechanisms for seafarers, recognizing their critical role in global supply chains and the broader economy. Enhancing seafarers' rights and welfare contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The conference served as a platform for senior government officials, representatives of international organizations, and stakeholders from the shipping industry to discuss the major challenges facing seafarers, their implications for the continued resilience and sustainability of global shipping, and strategies for moving forward.
The conference concluded with adoption of the Manila Declaration on Seafarers' Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being.
The declaration affirmed that human rights apply to all seafarers, regardless of nationality, vessel, or jurisdiction. It called for greater cooperation among governments, shipowners, and international organizations to ensure seafarer welfare.
