Deputy Chief of Mission Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga (third from left, bottom row) joins World Maritime University (WMU) President Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry (fourth from left, bottom row) and Filipino graduates from the WMU Class of 2022 and the Filipino students of Class 2023.

03 November 2022, Stockholm – Upon the invitation from the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga represented the Philippine Embassy at the graduation ceremony of Class 2022 of WMU on 31 October 2022.

In their respective remarks, WMU Chancellor and IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim and WMU President Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry underscored the importance of working towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as it relates to the maritime industry. They also both noted the need to develop maritime policies that support climate change objectives. Upon their return to their home countries and agencies, Chancellor Lim called on the graduates to help with the IMO’s policy and goal to significantly reduce emission of greenhouse gases and decarbonize the shipping industry.

The WMU Class of 2022 consisted of 134 graduates of which 10 were Filipino nationals sent by respective agencies and institutions including 5 from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), 3 from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and 2 from the Maritime Academy of the Asia and the Pacific (MAAP).

After the graduation ceremonies, DCM Gallaga, together with Atty. Jean Ver Pia, Philippine Maritime Attaché in London, had the opportunity to meet with WMU President Doumbia-Henry, Prof. Maximo Mejia, Jr., WMU Director for PhD Program and former MARINA Administrator, and WMU students from the Philippines from Class 2022 and Class 2023. The meeting created a space for students to introduce themselves and to share their takeaways from their experience and expectations from their respective studies.

The World Maritime University is established within the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations. WMU’s mission is to be the world centre of excellence in postgraduate maritime and oceans education, professional training and research, while building global capacity and promoting sustainable development. More than 200 Filipinos have studied at the WMU over the years. They have distinguished themselves in their studies and have placed the Philippines in the world maritime map for their excellence. END.