WMU Graduation
WMU Graduation Ceremony 2021
On October 31, graduates from the Master of Science in Maritime Af fairs and PhD programs participated in the Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony, which was held in Malmö, Sweden. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was held without guests and was live streamed for family, friends, and colleagues who joined in the celebration. T he Class of 2021 has received the education required for them to contribute to their countries with regard to maritime and ocean matters, and more broadly, to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Overall, the 2021 WMU graduation ceremony brought the total number of graduates to 5,632 from 171 countries.
In a pre-recorded address, H E Mr. Kitack Lim—the f irst International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General and WMU Chancellor to hold a MSc degree from the WMU—thanked the City of Malmö and the Government of Sweden for their continued generosity and support in hosting the University, as well as the many donors for their ongoing commitment to the WMU mission and its sustainability. He highlighted the strength of the interdisciplinary studies of fered at the WMU that ensure graduates are well-rounded, informed, intelligent individuals with a holistic approach to maritime and oceans issues. Addressing the graduates directly, he said: “Together, you form a mighty international network, and a great force for good in the world. You are the next generation of maritime leaders. You have been equipped to work in the international maritime community, and its success rests on your shoulders. Do not forget that it will be our concerted efforts that will ensure that our beautiful oceans are passed on to future generations.”
WMU President, Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, delivered welcome remarks. In addressing the graduates, she highlighted that the Malmö Class of 2021 had completed their degrees wholly during the time of COVID-19, saying: “You have risen above the challenges and circumstances faced during this pandemic. You have been strengthened by the education you have received and have magnif icently achieved what you have set out to accomplish. Your studies will contribute to your strength of character and determination over the decades to come.” She also emphasized the important role that graduates will play in rebuilding after the pandemic through efforts to build a cleaner, greener world with low and zero carbon emissions from ships and ports. She added, “T he oceans are a precious resource: make sure you do your best to protect them.” She also called on the graduates to f ight for a world with greater gender equality, and to play their part in empowering women and girls.
The Guest of Honor was H.E. Dr. Daniel Seong-Hyeok Moon, Minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) of the Republic of Korea, and WMU Professor (currently taking a leave of absence). In a pre-recorded address, he stated that graduating from WMU is a great achievement under normal circumstances, and an even greater achievement during the pandemic. He encouraged the graduates to be lifelong learners and to strive to be good leaders. H e highlighted the diversity and strength of the WMU, saying: “WMU is a place where talented people from all over the world gather and become friends. Through those friendships, they contribute to the harmony of the world and human prosperity. One person alone cannot change the world. However, if we all try to understand each other without
prejudice and build friendships, we will be able to wisely overcome the crises faced by mankind and contribute to the common prosperity.”
Ms. Carina Nilsson, Chairperson of the Malmö City Council and Mayor of Malmö, addressed the graduates, saying: “T he pandemic taught us that the world can shift very quickly, but also that we are also very adaptable.” T he Mayor stated that the City of Malmö is proud to host the University, which is the only United Nations af filiated institution in Sweden. She emphasized that both the City of Malmö and the WMU are committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and share exceptionally international prof iles, with Malmö having residents from over 180 countries and the WMU having graduates from 171 countries. She expressed the hope that the graduates had enjoyed their time in Sweden and would be good ambassadors for Malmö on their return to their home countries. She wished them well, saying: “Today this part of your journey is coming to an end. You are about to start your next chapter in life with the whole world as your potential workplace.”
M r. Daniel John Joseph Arulanthu (India), President of the Student Council 2020-2021, made remarks on behalf of the Class of 2021. He thanked the City of M almö, donors, WMU faculty and staff, and family and friends for their support. H e said: “Donors from around the world have made a signif icant dif ference in the lives of students from around the world. Thank you for the priceless opportunity to study in a world class institution dedicated to improving maritime industries’ capacity, and to become future maritime leaders. We are honored to be part of such a unique entity. We will work hard to maintain our network of friendships, regardless of where we are physically located.”
Awards Presented to Sasakawa Fellows duringthe Ceremony
Regarding annual student awards, the CP Srivastava Award for International Fellowship was awarded to Ms. Laura Noelia Sanchez (Argentina) and Mr. Aymen Abdaoui (Tunisia) received the Schlüter Foundation Dissertation Prize for an outstanding dissertation in the field of Shipping and Marine Environmental Protection. Recipients of the Kalmar Prizes, awarded by Kalmar Global to students who are recognized as leaders among their peers, included Ms. Sedigheh Zarei (Iran) and Ms. Sanchez.
Maia Brindley Nilsson
Communications and Conferences Officer,
World Maritime University
In a pre-recorded address, H E Mr. Kitack Lim—the f irst International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General and WMU Chancellor to hold a MSc degree from the WMU—thanked the City of Malmö and the Government of Sweden for their continued generosity and support in hosting the University, as well as the many donors for their ongoing commitment to the WMU mission and its sustainability. He highlighted the strength of the interdisciplinary studies of fered at the WMU that ensure graduates are well-rounded, informed, intelligent individuals with a holistic approach to maritime and oceans issues. Addressing the graduates directly, he said: “Together, you form a mighty international network, and a great force for good in the world. You are the next generation of maritime leaders. You have been equipped to work in the international maritime community, and its success rests on your shoulders. Do not forget that it will be our concerted efforts that will ensure that our beautiful oceans are passed on to future generations.”
WMU President, Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, delivered welcome remarks. In addressing the graduates, she highlighted that the Malmö Class of 2021 had completed their degrees wholly during the time of COVID-19, saying: “You have risen above the challenges and circumstances faced during this pandemic. You have been strengthened by the education you have received and have magnif icently achieved what you have set out to accomplish. Your studies will contribute to your strength of character and determination over the decades to come.” She also emphasized the important role that graduates will play in rebuilding after the pandemic through efforts to build a cleaner, greener world with low and zero carbon emissions from ships and ports. She added, “T he oceans are a precious resource: make sure you do your best to protect them.” She also called on the graduates to f ight for a world with greater gender equality, and to play their part in empowering women and girls.
The Guest of Honor was H.E. Dr. Daniel Seong-Hyeok Moon, Minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) of the Republic of Korea, and WMU Professor (currently taking a leave of absence). In a pre-recorded address, he stated that graduating from WMU is a great achievement under normal circumstances, and an even greater achievement during the pandemic. He encouraged the graduates to be lifelong learners and to strive to be good leaders. H e highlighted the diversity and strength of the WMU, saying: “WMU is a place where talented people from all over the world gather and become friends. Through those friendships, they contribute to the harmony of the world and human prosperity. One person alone cannot change the world. However, if we all try to understand each other without
prejudice and build friendships, we will be able to wisely overcome the crises faced by mankind and contribute to the common prosperity.”
Ms. Carina Nilsson, Chairperson of the Malmö City Council and Mayor of Malmö, addressed the graduates, saying: “T he pandemic taught us that the world can shift very quickly, but also that we are also very adaptable.” T he Mayor stated that the City of Malmö is proud to host the University, which is the only United Nations af filiated institution in Sweden. She emphasized that both the City of Malmö and the WMU are committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and share exceptionally international prof iles, with Malmö having residents from over 180 countries and the WMU having graduates from 171 countries. She expressed the hope that the graduates had enjoyed their time in Sweden and would be good ambassadors for Malmö on their return to their home countries. She wished them well, saying: “Today this part of your journey is coming to an end. You are about to start your next chapter in life with the whole world as your potential workplace.”
M r. Daniel John Joseph Arulanthu (India), President of the Student Council 2020-2021, made remarks on behalf of the Class of 2021. He thanked the City of M almö, donors, WMU faculty and staff, and family and friends for their support. H e said: “Donors from around the world have made a signif icant dif ference in the lives of students from around the world. Thank you for the priceless opportunity to study in a world class institution dedicated to improving maritime industries’ capacity, and to become future maritime leaders. We are honored to be part of such a unique entity. We will work hard to maintain our network of friendships, regardless of where we are physically located.”
Awards Presented to Sasakawa Fellows duringthe Ceremony
Regarding annual student awards, the CP Srivastava Award for International Fellowship was awarded to Ms. Laura Noelia Sanchez (Argentina) and Mr. Aymen Abdaoui (Tunisia) received the Schlüter Foundation Dissertation Prize for an outstanding dissertation in the field of Shipping and Marine Environmental Protection. Recipients of the Kalmar Prizes, awarded by Kalmar Global to students who are recognized as leaders among their peers, included Ms. Sedigheh Zarei (Iran) and Ms. Sanchez.
Maia Brindley Nilsson
Communications and Conferences Officer,
World Maritime University
