Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, was the stage to exchange ideas, showcase innovation and strengthen international cooperation during the celebration of the 2025 World Maritime Day Parallel Event  last week.

The event (30 September – 1 October) was hosted by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Welcoming delegates, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, H.E Suhail bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei, said: “This gathering gives us an opportunity to unite our efforts toward achieving that balance of economic growth with protecting the oceans which connect us together and keeping them healthy for the next generation.”

IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez said: “By facing environmental challenges, we can unlock a plethora of opportunities for everyone. The shipping sector, for instance, creates a stream of jobs and training prospects not only for seafarers on the ship, but in logistics, law, new technologies and AI, economics and others.”

He highlighted that IMO continuously updates its global regulations to keep up with changes in the industry, while carefully considering their impact on Member State economies.

A call for dialogue and action

The event combined a maritime exhibition showcasing innovations in sustainable shipping, with a series of five panel discussions over two days, featuring experts and policy makers:

• Panel 1: Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity underscored the links between ocean health, prosperity and governance, while highlighting opportunities in the blue economy and the importance of ocean literacy and youth engagement.
• Panel 2: Decarbonization and climate change examined pathways to net-zero emissions in shipping, including the use of alternative fuels, green corridors, carbon pricing and climate-resilient ports.
• Panel 3: Actions to address marine plastic litter explored regulatory gaps, onboard waste innovations, port reception facilities and the role of seafarers as “frontline defenders” against plastic pollution.
• Panel 4: The BBNJ treaty and shipping reviewed how the new global framework for protecting marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) will affect shipping lanes and high seas governance.
• Panel 5: Capacity development for sustainable oceans spotlighted IMO-led projects and programmes designed to bolster capacity among Member States, especially in developing countries, through maritime training, upskilling and ensuring decent work and wellbeing in the green transition.

Republic of Korea to host 2026 WMDPE

The event concluded with the ceremonial handover of the World Maritime Day Parallel Event flag to the Republic of Korea, which will host the 2026 edition in Busan.