NIMA celebrates World Maritime Day 2023

ISLAMABAD — National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) organized an international seminar to mark the celebrations of World Maritime Day 2023 on 28 Sep on the theme “MARPOL at 50: Charting the Future of Sustainable Maritime Practices”. Vice Admiral (Retd) Iftikhar Ahmed Rao HI (M), Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Maritime Affairs graced the occasion as a Chief Guest.

While addressing the audience, the Chief Guest emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to its role as a responsible maritime nation and is dedicated to pursuing policies and initiatives that foster sustainable maritime practices. He further congratulated IMO for achieving the milestone.

Vice Admiral (Retd) Ahmed Saeed HI(M), Director General NIMA, in his opening remarks, said that MARPOL has been instrumental in safeguarding the world’s oceans and seas from pollution for half a century. He underscored the importance of charting a course toward a more sustainable maritime future. He called for adoption of innovative technologies that will continue to ensure a cleaner efficient and more sustainable maritime sector.

Mr. Jun Sun from IMO highlighted the ways MARPOL has made a difference in shipping and to the health of oceans. Similarly, Ms. Li Jai Lun Research Assistant Institute of South Asian Studies Sichuan University, China; Cdre (Retd) Babar Bilal Haider SI(M), Dr. Said Akber Khan from Bahria University shared their perspectives on the success of MARPOL over the years.

The event was well-attended by academia, professionals, diplomatic core, reps of think tanks, subject matter specialists, government officials, faculty members, students, and key maritime stakeholders. At the end, the moderator Cdre (Retd) Bilal Abdul Nasir SI(M), Director NIMA thanked the guest speakers and participants for their interest and appreciated the team NIMA Islamabad for making this event rewarding and successful.