KARACHI: The National Institute of Maritime Affairs organized a webinar highlighting the importance of the United Nations Agenda 2021 to 2030 and ensuring scientific maritime research in Pakistan in Karachi on Monday. On the occasion, Director NIMA Karachi Commodore (Retd.) Ali Abbas SI (M) highlighted the salient points of the United Nations Decade of Ocean as a moderator. Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Faisal Rasul Lodhi HI (M) graced the event as the chief guest. Vice Admiral (Retd.) Abdul Aleem HI (M), Director General NIMA welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of the topic. He said National Institute of Maritime Affairs is proud to organize this webinar on this significant agenda which has linked people globally for collective efforts.
He further said that there are 3 billion people around the world depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. Yet, according to predictions, tropical coral reefs may disappear by the turn of the century, and by 2050 there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Therefore, implementation of the United Nations vision on ocean decade is essential.
During the session marine experts read their papers and shared pertinent views. Guest speaker Mr. Hubert spoke on purpose and benefits of UN decade of ocean and highlighted the importance of Oceans for maritime economy. During address he talk about modern trends in maritime industry.
Second speaker, Dr. Najam Abbas from East West Institute Brussels highlighted the implementation strategy for developing countries. He emphasized that Pakistan should make a timeline with clear targets in order to get benefit from ocean decade. He said that Pakistan navy can play a significant role in improving collaboration in amongst all stakeholders he emphasized on promoting female participation in Marine Education and Training during the UN Ocean Decade.
While the third Speaker Dr. Asif Inaam HoD Maritime Sciences Bahria University described the opportunity and challenges of the decade of ocean for Sustainable Development-Implications and response for Pakistan and described the scientific objectives. He said that involvement of the scientific and technological community is crucial for maritime growth and can help in accelerating scientific initiative, exploring opportunities for economic development
Vice admiral Faisal Rasul Lodhi HI (M) Vice Chief of the Naval Staff during his address said that Pakistan navy is cognizant of its responsibilities for the development of maritime sector in the country. He said that Maritime Science and Technology Park (MSTP). being established at Karachi is a significant initiative on PN to achieve the ocean decade agenda. He emphasized that the relevant recommendations of webinar be passed on to relevant stakeholders for implementation. He appreciated the efforts of NIMA in holding the successful event.
The event was attended by a large number of eminent personalities, maritime domain experts Govt officials students and key maritime stakeholders. In the end, the DG NIMA Vice Admiral (Retd) Abdul Aleem HI (M) thanked the chief guest, speakers and participants for their interest and availability on zoom. He assured that NIMA will continue to conduct more informative webinars and activities for the promotion of maritime sector of Pakistan.