The World Maritime Day (WMD) celebration took place on September 26 at the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies in Laucala Bay, Suva. Naisa Tuinaceva, the Assistant Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport, inaugurated the event, emphasizing the importance of maritime transport, which accounts for approximately 80 percent of global trade. Tuinaceva noted that Fiji’s eight international ports handle thousands of foreign vessels each year, reinforcing the country’s pivotal role in maritime activities.
This year’s theme for WMD, “Our ocean, our obligation, our opportunity,” highlights the responsibility and potential that comes with managing the oceans and maritime resources. The event included various participants from different sectors of the maritime industry, showcasing the diversity and importance of maritime professions within Fiji.
The celebration mirrors the increasing recognition of the maritime sector’s vital contributions to both local and international communities. With the demand for skilled workers surging, as reiterated by Ro Filipe Tuisawau, the Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, there is a clear call for students and young professionals to consider careers in this dynamic field. He urged aspiring workers to engage with the opportunities within the maritime industry, addressing the challenge posed by the emigration of skilled individuals seeking prospects abroad.
World Maritime Day serves not only as a celebration but also as a platform to reflect on the future of maritime safety and sustainability. By acknowledging the vital role that the maritime industry plays in global commerce, the event offers hope for ongoing development and a commitment to safer, more innovative maritime practices.
Fiji’s engagement in this year’s celebration highlights the broader conversations happening globally around maritime innovation and the essential importance of the shipping sector in facilitating international trade and preserving marine environments. Such initiatives emphasize the commitment to fostering a sustainable maritime future and recognizing the essential contributions of those working within this vital sector.