By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Liberia has deepened ties with the World Maritime University (WMU) following productive discussions in Malmö, Sweden. The meeting, held between Ambassador Robert Wilmont Kpadeh, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and WMU President Professor Max Mejia, emphasized Liberia’s commitment to maritime education, capacity building, and international partnerships.
During the high-level talks, Ambassador Kpadeh proposed expanding Liberian student enrollment at WMU beyond existing fellowships, marking a new chapter in maritime education for the West African nation. He also championed the establishment of a dedicated maritime studies department in collaboration with WMU, the University of Liberia, and the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI).
“Our vision is to build a robust maritime workforce capable of addressing both national and global challenges,” Kpadeh stated, outlining Liberia’s goal of becoming a hub for maritime excellence.
The discussions also included plans for specialized short-term training programs for senior personnel across key maritime institutions such as the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), the National Port Authority (NPA), the Coast Guard, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These initiatives aim to enhance operational efficiency and foster leadership in Liberia’s maritime domain.
The meeting further celebrated the appointment of Dr. Harry Conway, Liberia’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO and Chair of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), as an Adjunct Fellow at WMU. Ambassador Kpadeh hailed this achievement as a milestone in Liberia’s maritime journey, reflecting the country’s growing influence in global maritime affairs.
Professor Mejia commended Liberia’s significant contributions to international shipping, acknowledging its position as the world’s largest ship registry and an active participant in the IMO. “Liberia’s legacy in global maritime leadership is undeniable, and WMU is proud to support its ambitions,” Mejia remarked.
Both parties agreed to formalize their commitments through an official communiqué, laying the groundwork for a transformative partnership. The meeting concluded with an exchange of symbolic gifts, where WMU honored Ambassador Kpadeh as a “Friend of the WMU,” underscoring the mutual respect and collaboration between the two entities.
This partnership aligns with Liberia’s vision to enhance its Blue Economy, leveraging international expertise to drive economic growth and job creation in the maritime sector. By fostering innovation and education, Liberia is solidifying its role as a global leader in maritime excellence.
As Liberia charts this new course, the collaboration with WMU promises to elevate its maritime industry, ensuring it remains at the forefront of global shipping and sustainability efforts.
