National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), Karachi successfully hosted 9th International Maritime Conference (IMC 2021) at Movenpick Hotel Karachi from 13 to 15 February 2021. The topic of the conference was “Development of Blue Economy under a secure and Sustainable Environment – A Shared Future for Western Indian Ocean Region”. Due COVID19, the conference was held in hybrid mode in that few speakers presented their papers physically and those who could not travel presented their papers virtually. A total 26 papers including 6 keynote addresses were presented by national and international speakers in the conference.

The speakers having great experience and qualifications in maritime domain from around the globe were invited as guest speakers for the conference. They presented their papers related to the topic and theme of the conference. Being an international event, Dr. Arif Alvi, President Islamic Republic of Pakistan graced the opening session of the conference as Chief Guest and Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister of Pakistan was Chief Guest for the closing session. Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan NIazi NI(M), S Bt, Chief of the Naval Staff was also present during opening and closing sessions of the conference. Other sessions of the conference were also chaired by VVIPs including Federal Ministers, Advisor to Prime Minister and Flag officers. The presence of high profile dignitaries as Chief Guests enhanced the stature of the conference. Prominent National and International Speakers delivered talks on various aspects of the IMC-21 theme. Prominent speakers included, Mr. Sardar Masood Khan President Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Gunter Pauli CEO Zero Emissions Research & Initiatives, Senator Sherry Rehman, Vice Admiral Samuel Paparo Cdr USNF Central Command, Rear Admiral YMGB Jayathilake RSP USP, Srilankan Navy, Vice Admiral Faisal Rasul Lodhi HI(M) COMKAR Pakistan Navy, Rear Admiral (LH) Murat Dincman Director of Defence Planning Project Turkish Navy, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed. In addition, a recorded video message of Mr. Kitack Lim IMO Secretary General was also played.