In 2018, the World Maritime University (WMU) will celebrate 35 years of excellence in education, research and capacity building. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), which established WMU in 1983, will celebrate its 70th anniversary. Looking back at WMU’s legacy of 35 years in postgraduate education, research and capacity-building in maritime and ocean affairs, the University is celebrating this milestone year by convening the Global Ocean Conference 2018 - that will coincide with the inauguration of the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (Global Ocean Institute).

The Conference will formally launch the Global Ocean Institute with the vision to be the independent focal point for the ocean science-policy-law-industry interface, acting as a convener and convergence point where policy makers, the scientific community, regulators, industry actors and academics, and representatives of civil society meet to discuss how best to manage and use ocean spaces and their resources for the sustainable development of present and future generations. It will do this based on evidence-based research, education and capacity-building. Research outputs of the Institute will enhance capacity of all stakeholders to implement legal requirements and policies relating to the ocean agenda. A special emphasis will be placed on working closely with the IMO, UN Oceans and other relevant UN organizations.

The Global Ocean Institute will support the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable and Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on Goals 14 (Oceans), 13 (Climate Action) and 4 (Quality Education).