A collective Maritime journey of ideas, experiences, and perspectives through talks, panel discussions and presentations – Maritime News

Mumbai, India : Maritime SheEO, a leading advocate for diversity and inclusion in the maritime industry, held its 4th annual international conference on November 21, 2023, at The Taj Santacruz in Mumbai. The event, which was also live-streamed globally, attracted an impressive 250 delegates from approximately 80 countries worldwide, with a commendable 60:40 gender ratio, with 60% of attendees being women.

The conference, organized by Sanjam Sahi Gupta, Founder of Maritime SheEO and Director of Sitara Shipping, featured a diverse range of speakers from across the maritime industry, including ship owners, educational institution professionals, ship managers, supply chain exporters, and liner and port personnel. Additionally, over 1,000 individuals participated virtually, making it a truly global event.

The conference commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by welcoming remarks from Sanjam Sahi Gupta. Throughout the day, a series of engaging talks, panel discussions, and presentations explored the critical role of diversity in driving growth and innovation within the maritime sector. Over 50 speakers delved into a wide array of topics, including:

Sustainable Shipping Practices

The Power of Media in Elevating Women’s Role Models

Bringing Our Diversity Ambitions to Life

Women in Bio-fouling and Marine Plastic Litter

Psychological Security – Transforming Workplace Culture

Diversity and Inclusion Policies

Tackling Tomorrow’s Key Maritime Issues

A distinguished panel of keynote speakers graced the event, including:

Consul General Arne Jan Flolo, Royal Norwegian Consulate General, Mumbai

H.E. Cecilie Myrseth, Minister of Trade and Industries, Norway

H.E. Folakemi Akinleye, Ambassador of Nigeria to the Philippines and Cambodia

H.E. Yasiel Burillo, Ambassador and Consul General of Panama to India

Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General Elect of the IMO

Captain Dinesh Jairam, Global Talent Acquisition Manager, Seaspan India

Dr. Malini Shankar IAS (Retd), Vice Chancellor at the Indian Maritime University

The conference featured inspiring speeches from both in-person and virtual speakers, who shared their unique perspectives based on their experiences and insights. Their valuable contributions provided both education and inspiration to the numerous companies and individuals in attendance. Several eminent delegates also joined the dais and participated in engaging panel discussions and interviews.

A highlight of the conference was the presentation of awards to companies and individuals in various categories. The companies recognized for their outstanding achievements included:

The Daily Cargo Award for Media Company of the Year

Seaspan Corporation for Best Practices in Diversity, second year in a row 

Fleet Management Limited & South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) for Best Practices in Sustainability, with SAGT receiving this award for the second time

Individual awards were presented to the following deserving winners:

Lifetime Achievement Award – Mrs. H K Joshi

Brilliant SheEO (Nomination by Association) – Dr. Sharmila H. Amin

Champion of Diversity – Pirojshaw Sarkari (Phil) and Capt. Dinesh Jairam

SheEO of the Year – Kurti Jobanputra and Alison Cusack

SheEO to Watch Out For – Dr. Deepti Mankad

SheEO of the Year – Katherine “Karen” Avelino

Sanjam Sahi Gupta concluded the conference with a closing note, expressing gratitude to all those who had contributed to making the event a resounding success. She emphasized the collective responsibility to transform not only workplaces but also the world at large.

“Together, we have embarked on a journey of collective exploration of ideas, experiences, and perspectives,” she stated. “We have the power to transform, not just our workplaces but our world. As we leave this space and return to our daily lives, let’s not forget about what we spoke about today. Let’s carry the lessons learned and the connections made. Let us all be ambassadors of change, advocating for diversity in every interaction and decision we make. The real impact of this conference lies not just in the discussions we’ve had, but in the actions we take henceforth. Diversity is not just a destination, but a journey – it requires unwavering commitment and a shared responsibility.”

Following her closing note, Sanjam Sahi Gupta received a well-deserved standing ovation from the entire audience. The conference concluded with a sense of accomplishment and optimism, leaving participants with valuable insights and a renewed commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the maritime sector.