The Indian Ocean is of incomparable worth due to its diversity of rich culture and incomparable resources. It has now in fact become one of the most thriving and competitive Maritime Routes of Global Trade. The growing demand, to use this critical sea artery is causing a magnitude of sea traffic, that is exponential, therefore every effort must be taken, to keep uninterrupted, the vital Global Trade passing through all such Connecting Global Sea routes.
Therefore IOSRC- “the Indian Ocean Strategic Research Centre” in collaboration with WiLAT – “Women in Logistics and Transport ” has initiated the much-needed collective consultative regional discourse to address, ensuing challenges and opportunities that are progressively evolving in this vibrant maritime region of the Indian Ocean. Hence the areas of Sustainability, Security, Ocean Conservation and Maritime Law were deliberated over a Collective Consultative Event that was held at the Jubilee Ballroom of Galle Face Hotel on the 1st of February 2024. This event saw the participation of Interdisciplinary Stakeholders, Global Leaders,Experts and Academics, who united with the goal of achieving Unhampered Prosperity, Peace and Preservation of Oceanic Wealth, to benefit nations and generations to follow.
For this Global conference Dr Fredrik Haag IMO-International Maritime Organisation Head of London Convention, Protocol and Ocean Affairs was the Guest of Honour and the Keynote Speaker. Hon Nimal Siripala De Silva Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation delivered a message as the Chief Guest. Dr Dan Malika Gunasekara expert on Maritime Law delivered an important lecture on International Covants and Obligations and the emerging Challenges of Terrorism and Piracy, on Global Maritime Arteries. Mr Harikrishshan Sundaram CEO Colombo West International Terminal Pvt Ltd explained the strategic role played by India to maintain Peace and Prosperity in Global Maritime Trade and the vital investments made by India in the Maritime Industry. He also addressed the emerging challenges and demands faced by the Blue Economy.
Panel of Experts who discussed the Opportunities and Challenges of the Indian Ocean Region and other Global Maritime Ports of Call were Mr Chevaan Daniel, Executive Group Director Capital Maharaja Group, Mr Biju Ravi Managing Director Maersk Lanka Pvt Ltd and Prof Ruchira Cumaratunga Emiritas Professor Microbiology, Founding Dean of Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science and Technology, who explained the need for Conservation of Oceanic Eco Systems, the Potential of Sri Lanka’s vital location and the challenges of increased Freight Cost and Insurance due to the Current Security Threats developing in the Red Sea region and it’s connecting Maritime Arteries. The Conference Chairperson and Moderator was Mrs Dhashma Karunaratne, Chief Operating Officer Freight Sector and Assistant Vice President Business Development, Maritime, Freight and Logistics Sector.
Mrs. Dhashma Karunaratne said, “Spanning nearly half the globe the Indian Ocean Region is made up of 38 countries, consisting of both developing and advanced economies. It contributes to 30% of the Global Oceanic Area and is home to 30 % of the world’s population. The region is rich in resources, with 40 per cent of the world’s offshore oil production coming from the Indian Ocean and boasts of immense potential for Alternatives Fuels. The region hosts more than 20 of the world’s busiest ports and accounts for 13% of world trade. Indian Ocean Region is critical to global trade, and trade binds these diverse communities together. Yet, women’s labour force participation is at very low levels. Even though a number of countries in the region are among the wealthiest in the world, others experience extremely high poverty rates, unemployment and limited opportunities for Women’s economic participation.”
“Through this partnership, between WiLAT and IOSRC we will collaborate to remove barriers to women’s labour force participation and will invest in women’s economic empowerment, which in turn will drive productivity and a higher GDP.”
