Speakers emphasize advancing blue economy through sustainable development goals for steady economic growth
The National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) in collaboration with Bahria University hosted the International Maritime Symposium 2024 (IMS 24) focused on “Realisation of Blue Economy through the Prism of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Options for Developing Countries.”
This event was attended by eminent international speakers, academics, diplomats, policymakers, and maritime professionals to proffer their views on aspects of sustainable practices. The symposium enabled the participants to delve into key issues such as sustainable maritime trade, ocean governance, and environmental stewardship, including a focused session on ship recycling industry.
Vice Admiral Ahmed SaeedHI(M) (Retd), President NIMA, welcomed the participants, setting the stage for the IMS 24. The opening session, led by Chief Guest Admiral ZafarMahmood Abbasi NI (M), former CNS, highlighted Maritime Security as a crucial element of Blue Economy.
He emphasized the need for robust security mechanism. The keynote speaker at the session was Mr. Mushahid HussainSayed who highlighted the importance of maritime sector for the economic growth of a country. The speakers included Rear Admiral Faisal Ali Shah HI (M), Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer, Mr Faisal Zahid Malik, Mr. Rab Nawaz, Dr. Shahida Jaffrey, Dr. Ashfaq Hassan Khan, and Prof. Ali Ibrahim Akkutay from DEHUKAM, Turkiye. They deliberated on various social, environmental and economic aspects as imperatives of maritime security.
In his message Mr Faisal Zahid Malik highlighted challenges and opportunities in the blue economy sector which has adopted critical importance for Pakistan. This “Developing the deep-sea economy presents immense opportunities for economic growth and innovation. By tapping into the vast resources of the deep oceans—such as minerals, fisheries, and renewable energy sources like offshore wind and tidal power—we can unlock new industries and revenue streams,” he said.
At the second session of the international symposium, Vice Admiral Asif Khaliq HI (M), Rector Bahria University gave opening address. This session’s theme was “The prospects of blue economy for Pakistan to realize UN SDGs,” and none other than Federal Minister for PD&SI Mr. AhsanIqbal was the Chief Guest. He focused on strategic planning and policy frameworks necessary for leveraging coastal resources and promoting clean energy initiatives.
Mr Ahsan Iqbal stressed the application of science and technology and innovative practices in the maritime sector to meet the challenges of the current era. The keynote speaker Ms. Bushra Aman, Secretary NSD also explored various dimensions of the blue economy saying how it could catapult the growth sector.
Other speakers included Admiral RavindraChandrasiriWijegunaratne, Sri Lankan High Commissioner, Mr. Jun Sun from IMO, Dr. ShabanaFayyaz, Commodore AbidRanaSI(M)(Retd), Vice Admiral Iftikhar Ahmed Rao HI(M), while Chairman NIMA BoA Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah NI(M) presented the Note of Thanks.
The speakers highlighted the potential of Blue Economy from the international aspects of governance, treaties compliance and strategic environment of IOR.
Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed BilgramiHI(M), Vice Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief Guest of the final session, focused on the Green Ship Recycling and Implementation of HKC in Pakistan. He urged stakeholders to prioritise sustainable ship recycling at Gadani under the Hong Kong Convention 2009.
The event featured a panel discussion with panelists including Mr Per Albert Ilsaas, Norwegian Ambassador; Mr. DewanRizwan Chairman PSBA; Captain Javed Khan (Retd), Chairman BDA; Mr. John Alonso from IMO, Mr. Guillermo Montt from ILO Pakistan, Mr. Asif, Honorary Secy PSBA, Mr. Musharaf as Representative of Gadani Labor Union and Mr. Anees Khan from NIMA.
The participants stressed on the need of HKC compliance in Pakistan and the challenges Pakistan’s ship recycling industry faces it this regard. Mr. John Alonso from IMO highlighted IMO’s efforts for enabling developing countries in the implementation of the convention. The session was moderated by CdreRaheelMasoodSI(M)(retd).
NIMA launched six research reports, which included a study on “Pakistan’s Ship Recycling Industry”, reports on “Impacts of Climate Change on the Maritime Sector of Pakistan”, “Analysis of High Seas Treaty and Implications for Pakistan”, “MARPOL Annex VI: Advancements in Green Shipping Technologies and Way Forward for Pakistan” and two NIMA Research Compendiums. The event reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to integrate the Blue Economy while aligning it with global Sustainable Development Goals. Vice Admiral Ahmed SaeedHI(M), President NIMA extended a note of thanks to all speakers and participants. At the end, souvenirs were presented to the esteemed speakers, distinguished guests and the sponsors of the event.
