STEWARDS OF THE SEA
ABOUT US
WMU offers postgraduate education, research, and capacity building to ensure safe, secure, and efficient shipping on clean oceans. We educate the leaders who go on to work in all sectors, ranging from port masters and government officials to industry and civil society leaders, and beyond. We are headquartered in Malmö, Sweden with satellite programmes in Dalian and Shanghai, China. With more than 80% of the world’s trade carried by sea, educating and training maritime professionals throughout the world is a vital task. WMU does just this, by conferring a diverse range of postgraduate degrees and producing
cutting- edge research that drives innovation throughout the maritime industry. With an ever-changing geopolitical, technical, technological and skills landscape, WMU constantly adapts its curriculum and research to be at the center of where science, research, and real-world application meet. We pride ourselves on our unique position as a global educational maritime and ocean institution. From our home on the Baltic Sea, our mandate and the work we do support safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans, thereby helping to preserve the global ocean.
WMU IS AN INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTION WITH A STUDENT BODY THAT REFLECTS THE GLOBAL POPULATION THAT THE MARITIME INDUSTRY SERVES. OUR MISSION: TO BE THE WORLD CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN POSTGRADUATE MARITIME AND OCEAN EDUCATION, PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND RESEARCH, WHILE BUILDING GLOBAL CAPACITY AND PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.
OUR VISION: TO INSPIRE LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE MARITIME AND OCEANS FUTURE.
We are proud to boast alumni from 170 countries who now serve in leadership positions across all maritime and ocean sectors.
We are headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, operate satellite programmes in Dalian and Shanghai, China and a have a robust online programme.
WHERE THE MARITIME COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER In addition to educating the next generation, WMU stands positioned as a uniquely powerful convener of the key stakeholders in the maritime and ocean industries. As a truly global resource, any meaningful commercial, environmental, or safety agreements impacting the ocean must, by definition, be multi-sectoral and multinational. WMU is a natural facilitator for this type of dialogue, a hub of innovation and a platform for collaboration. WMU facilitates a transformation towards global ocean stewardship by supporting responsible policy- and decision-making across the spectrum of ocean actors. The core of our mission is to provide all stakeholders with easy access to a global network of experts, knowledge, and capacity building, while supporting governments, organizations, and the maritime and ocean industries worldwide. We bring these players together and equip
them with the knowledge and expertise to effectively support the implementation of the UNSDGs. We work with all to promote the achievement of the highest possible standards of safety, security and efficient shipping, as well as the prevention and reduction of marine pollution and the protection of the oceans.
Public
Scientific NGO
Shipping Industry
Governments/IGOs
“ WMU’s work is indispensable in supporting and promoting smooth and effective implementation and enforcement of IMO’s shipping regulations. The University has equipped generations of maritime leaders with the necessary skills to take on this important responsibility. I have no hesitation to state that graduating from WMU was the foundation of my future career, and was one of the most important occasions in my life.”
Kitack Lim Former Secretary-General, International Maritime Organization, Former WMU Chancellor and WMU alumnus
REAL WORLD IMPACT We pride ourselves on having a tangible impact on the maritime and Ocean community through postgraduate education, research, capacity- building and convening power. Some examples of our impact:
ALUMNI NETWORK
PRODUCTIVE PARTNERSHIPS
Since our establishment in 1983, over 6,000 alumni from 170 countries and territories have graduated from WMU. Our alumni have gone on to occupy critical positions across sectors. They include Heads of State, government ministers, diplomats, industry leaders, academics, civil society leaders, and port administrators. WMU alumni are the people managing the world’s maritime activity every day, making sure it is safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable.
WMU acts as an important leading convener of government, corporate and academic stakeholders around maritime and ocean environmental issues. Our events are designed to deliver cross-sector solutions for the maritime industry and ocean conservation, and we actively seek partnerships that will deliver actionable outcomes in the maritime and ocean sectors.
PROTECTING THE BALTIC SEA Ships carrying goods, products, raw materials and people traverse the Baltic Sea daily. This traffic poses significant risks of maritime accidents resulting in injuries, loss of sea life, goods and products and environmental damage. WMU has joined with two other universities and the European Union to work on a promising new initiative, the South Baltic Oil spill response through clean-up with biogenic oil binders (SBOIL). SBOIL will build on the BioBind project, an earlier WMU partnership that focused on developing a fast and effective oil spill recovery system for coastal shallow water areas and adverse weather conditions. The BioBind concept was based on biodegradable oil binders, deployed by plane and removed by a special oil containment netboom. SBOIL aims to take up this innovative green technology to strengthen existing cross-border spill response capacities.
PROTECTING PACIFIC SMALL-ISLANDS STATES IN AN ERA OF SEA LEVEL RISE Global sea level rise represents a profound, even existential, threat to what are often characterized as small-island developing States of the Pacific (Pacific SIDS). In reality, these countries are not only ‘small-island’ but also ‘large-ocean’ States by virtue of the broad maritime zones surrounding their territory. These maritime zones and the valuable marine resources within them, such as tuna fisheries and seabed oil and gas reserves, are also threatened by sea level rise. As the oceans rise, the coastlines from which maritime claims are measured retreat, leading to shrinking coastal areas and therefore diminishing rights over marine resources. WMU research examines ways in which threatened coasts and coastal ecosystems can be better protected and preserved with a view to furthering sustainable development. We also analyse the capacity of these islands to advance extended maritime claims against the context of the evolving international law of the sea.
Our policy-oriented research and capacity building efforts are designed to offer Pacific SIDS practical risk assessments and advice as well as support of their efforts in preserving and stabilizing their existing maritime claims despite the impact of sea level rise. This means that the existing maritime rights and marine resources of some of the countries that have contributed the least to global warming through greenhouse gas emissions would be safeguarded against a highly uncertain future. At the global level, WMU’s research also seeks to develop proposals for the progressive development of international law in relation to the possible loss of all or of parts of State territory and maritime zones due to sea-level rise, including the impacts on statehood, nationality and human rights.
SAFEGUARDING VITAL SHIPPING LANES IN THE INDIAN OCEAN International shipping is fundamental to the global economy with over 80% of world trade being moved by sea. Shipping must be sustainably integrated with the other uses of the oceans in order to achieve the sustainable development goals under the UN 2030 Agenda. The Indian Ocean hosts key arteries of the global trading system in the form of strategic shipping lanes connecting markets in the east and west. For example, an enormous volume of trade flows between Europe and East Asia through the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal and the Red Sea in the west and the Malacca Straits in the east of the Indian Ocean. This trade is substantially composed of oil and gas exports from the Gulf region. At the same time, the Indian Ocean comprises unique ecosystems and biodiversity that are crucial to the health of the global ocean. WMU provides evidence-based research and policy advice on the implications of illegal acts at sea, best management practices to prevent and combat security threats from the sea, as well as options to enhance the sustainable management of vital international straits.
MANAGING AND MITIGATING MARINE DEBRIS IN THE CARIBBEAN AND LATIN AMERICA The Caribbean and Latin America host unique and vulnerable ecosystems that are increasingly threatened by marine debris. The urgency to act is closely connected to prevailing consumption and production patterns of plastics in the region. Over 541,000 tonnes of waste is generated daily in Latin America and the Caribbean, 90% of which is destined for disposal sites and landfills. As the waste generation grows, and the numbers are expected to increase 25% by 2050, the region will likely face significant environmental, economic, and potentially, human health impacts. WMU conducts research to develop appropriate responses that address the diverse sources and pathways of marine debris with applicability to the Caribbean and Latin America as well as globally. The research objectives aim to chart
ways to reduce the impacts of marine debris on the marine environment and to contribute to sustainable development. An important research aspect of particular relevance to the Caribbean region is further understanding how increasing waste loads from tourism, including cruise ships and industry, as well as land-based waste can be effectively handled in port reception facilities. WMU research contributes to awarenessraising, education, capacity-building and training which is essential to create a sense of ownership of the problem and identify potential solutions addressing effective reduction of marine debris in the region.
NAVIGATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE As a global institution, WMU has a strategic vision enabling us to continue to play an active role in helping to achieve the UNSDGs. The maritime industry is intrinsically interconnected with the health of the planet and the well-being of its population. We are deeply committed to the UNSDGs in our approach to education, and in leveraging our unique
convening power to pursue actionable outcomes that reinforce the UNSDGs. We are particularly well positioned to work on environmental sustainability and to forge partnerships that bring together academia, governments, the private sector, International Organizations, civil society and NGOs.
INDUSTRY LIAISON GROUP
WMU-SASAKAWA GLOBAL OCEAN INSTITUTE
Reaching consensus and implementing any far-reaching agreements impacting shipping and the oceans is only possible with complete buy-in from national governments, international governmental bodies and industry. Our educational curriculum must also take into account industry needs.
In 2018, the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute was launched as a direct response to supporting the implementation of the targets outlined in UNSDG Goal 14 that commits governments to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development”.
For this reason, the Industry Liaison Group will facilitate real-world private and public sector initiatives in support of WMU’s academic, research and capacity-building outcomes, including the implementation of the UNSDGs. This targeted effort will play a key role in bringing the private sector into efforts to help reduce the environmental footprint of the shipping industry, promote good governance and contribute to a better world.
Supported by evidence-based research, educational programmes and capacitybuilding, the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute is the focal point for ocean-science-policy-law-industry interface. The Institute acts as a convener and convergence point where policy makers, the scientific community, regulators, industry actors, academics, and representatives of civil society meet to discuss how best to manage and use ocean spaces and their resources for the sustainable development of present and future generations.
INVEST IN WMU AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO ACHIEVING THE GLOBAL GOALS
SAFEGUARDING OUR ENVIRONMENT
The UNSDGs have been integrated into all areas of our academic and training programmes, including in our educational curriculum, research, and experiential learning opportunities. Supporting this effort will ensure that the next generation of WMU maritime leaders is deeply versed in, and committed to, achieving the UNSDGs.
We have already begun taking major steps towards increasing our focus on environmental conservation efforts, most recently with the launch of the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute. Environmental sustainability already plays a critical role in our teaching and research, but there is always more work to be done in response to the rapid political and technological changes taking place today. WMU will also need to take steps to support recent decisions taken by the IMO in April 2018 concerning the greenhouse gas emissions targets to be met by the maritime industry by 2050. Supporting our environmental efforts will help ensure that we stay at the forefront of this work, poised to proactively tackle the major issues of the day.
PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT In line with SDG 17, Partnership for the Goals, we are committed to serving as the global hub for multi sectoral partnerships in the maritime and ocean community. We bring together the key stakeholders around both specific and broad-based issues. Supporting our partnership and programme of events will help us forge new relationships and act as a convener on a larger scale.
OUR WORK IS LONG-TERM IN NATURE. WITH THIS IN MIND, WE ACTIVELY SEEK SUPPORT FOR OUR EFFORTS THAT WILL GIVE US THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM TO KEEP OUR FOCUS ON THE IMPORTANT WORK AT HAND. WE COLLABORATE AND PARTNER WITH DONORS AND INVESTORS TO ACHIEVE MAXIMUM IMPACT AND RETURN FOR EACH GRANT AND DONATION.
NEXT GENERATION LEADERS
WMU attracts students from around the world with a specific emphasis on providing financial support to students from emerging and developing economies. Scholarship support will expand these efforts by increasing our ability to make sure that students from all walks of life and countries have access to the best maritime and ocean education available.
ACADEMIC RESEARCH
We welcome investments in WMU’s specific research and academic programmes through multi-year commitments or endowment investments.
GENDER PARITY
The International Labor Organization estimates that only 1.5% of the world’s maritime workforce is made up of women. We are working to substantially increase this number by bringing a greater level of gender parity into the industry. Women currently make up about a third of the annual intake at WMU. Support for our gender parity initiatives will help us ensure that we continue to increase the annual intake of women and offer special programming to support and empower our female alumni.
ALUMNI COMMUNITY
WMU boasts a powerful alumni network with former students now serving in leadership positions around the world. With over 37 years of success in educating maritime and ocean leaders, we aim to continue strengthening the alumni network by hosting regional events and conferences to underpin real world application and their impact. Support for our alumni will further strengthen this community to be an important nexus for collaboration within the maritime sector.
WAYS TO INVEST FUTURE FUND
MULTI-YEAR COMMITMENTS
To build on the legacy of global leadership in maritime and ocean education, research, and capacity building and to secure innovative new programmes that protect the future of our oceans we are encouraging investments in our Endowment Fund. This Fund will support WMU’s future and ensure lasting impact in perpetuity.
To build on the University’s impact and ensure its growth and sustainability, WMU also seeks investments in the form of multi-year pledges (over 3-5 years). These funding commitments, unrestricted or restricted, will enable new programming and initiatives as well as create stable streams of revenue for the University.
ANNUAL FUND
FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT
By supporting the University’s Annual Fund, donors provide an essential source of operating capital vital to the mission of WMU. Annual gifts support the work of the University, including student (in particular fellowships) and faculty support as well as its operations and firstrate academic facilities.
WMU has strong financial controls. WMU’s External Audit is conducted, on an annual basis, by the IMO’s External Auditors.
World Maritime University PO Box 500 S-201 24 Malmö Sweden www.wmu.se The World Maritime University was established in 1983 within the framework of the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations.