TrainForTrade programme offers candidates insight and expertise
in sustainable port development

Port leaders from around the world graduated from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development  TrainForTrade programme at a celebration hosted by Dublin Port.

The TrainForTrade programme, supported by Irish Aid, brings together maritime professionals from across the globe to develop essential port management skills.

Some thirty port leaders from Ghana, Kenya, Malaysia, the Maldives, Namibia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Serbia, the Solomon Islands and the United Republic of Tanzania were awarded their graduation certificates by Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports Seán Canney, who said:

“This UN programme highlights the expertise that sits in Irish Ports and shows the contribution our country makes to the global trade system. As a small, open trading economy it is vital we help other ports around the world to grow their professionalism and expertise in this critical sector. I commend the work of the TrainForTrade programme, its participants from all over the world, and the Irish Ports whose staff contribute their knowledge and skills to it.”

Since 1996, the UNCTAD TrainForTrade programme has equipped thousands of professionals in developing nations with the expertise needed to efficiently operate and manage ports, while fostering international knowledge exchange.

Since 2007, Dublin Port has played a significant role in the capacity-building work of UNCTAD across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe, with staff travelling as far as Indonesia to contribute to the important work of TrainForTrade.

On the island of Ireland, Belfast Harbour and the Port of Cork are also longstanding UNCTAD partners, with the Port of Shannon Foynes joining this year. UNCTAD also collaborates with numerous other ports and associations around the world.

John Fairley, Head of Land Operations at Dublin Port, commented:

“The TrainForTrade programme enables us to exchange expertise with port professionals who are leading change in their countries. We have much in common with our port peers around the world, who are driving growth in their economies, tackling the impact of climate change, and making a contribution to their communities – all key priorities for us at Dublin Port. 

“Our counterparts can relate to much of what we do here at Dublin Port as Ireland’s largest and busiest port, operating within a compact urban footprint and a UNESCO biosphere reserve, managing a full range of freight types efficiently. 

“It’s a meaningful way to contribute to global prosperity and the long-term well-being of communities and to bring international expertise into our thinking here in Dublin.” 

This year’s Training of Trainers workshop, covered critical topics such as:

• Strengthening relationships between port companies and shipping lines

• The roles of shipping and freight forwarding sectors

• Promoting workplace safety for port workers

• Addressing climate change and implementing sustainable practices

• Managing large-scale infrastructure projects for growing freight capacity
• Integration of UN SDGs into port strategies for sustainable and resilient ports

Additional programme contributors this year include the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) and its World Port Sustainability Programme, International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA), Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), Doyles Shipping and CLdN.