Creating content for younger generations. Strengthening connections with academia. Highlighting impactful work in developing countries.
These were some of the solutions brainstormed by a group of 15 enthusiastic students who came together at International Maritime Organization headquarters in London to focus on how to attract more diverse talent into the maritime decarbonization sector.
Hosted by the GreenVoyage2050 programme (16 July), the students, currently in university or high school, engaged in lively discussions about the maritime industry's overall sustainability and its impact on our daily lives. They gained insights into the environmental challenges posed by shipping, IMO's efforts to address emissions from ships, and the work of GreenVoyage2050 to support developing countries.
Students acknowledged the industry's crucial transition towards a decarbonized future, which opens up numerous opportunities for young professionals, across various roles, to have an impact.
Bridging the gap
The group identified a general lack of awareness about the maritime sector among young people and the potential careers it offers, especially in the context of maritime decarbonization.
During breakout sessions, several strategies to help GreenVoyage2050 address this gap were raised, including:
- Strengthening connections between GreenVoyage2050 and universities to better bridge the gap between the maritime sector and academia.
- Creating content specifically targeted at the younger generation to raise awareness of shipping's journey towards decarbonization.
- Highlighting the on-the-water impact of GreenVoyage2050's work in developing countries and its action on the ground.
- Shining a spotlight on role models reflecting the diversity of the sector.
- Demonstrating the broad spectrum of backgrounds and expertise needed for maritime decarbonization to inspire and attract a more diverse workforce.
Reflecting on the event, Ocean Fay, MSc student in Environmental Policy and Regulation at the London School of Economics and Political Science said: "GreenVoyage2050 brought together students and recent graduates to share ways for young people passionate about climate change to get involved. It was a great opportunity for us to see the impact we could have in a career in shipping and to participate in a fruitful dialogue on ways to make the sector more diverse and inclusive."
Future dialogues
The event marked the first in a series of dialogues the GreenVoyage2050 programme will be organizing with young people, both at IMO HQ and in partnering countries, to raise awareness of opportunities in maritime decarbonization and the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in this field.
