The Cyprus Union of Shipowners (CUS) has congratulated the Deputy Ministry of Shipping of the Republic of Cyprus for the excellent and successful organisation of the High-Level Ministerial and Stakeholder Conference on 'Investing in Seafarers: Securing the Future of Global Shipping.'
As the Union noted in a relevant announceemnt, "this important initiative, which took place within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, confirmed Cyprus’ leading role in shaping a modern and people-centred maritime policy. By placing seafarers at the centre of the dialogue, the Conference sent a strong and timely message to the international maritime community on the need to strengthen and recognise the human potential of the sea."
The CUS also expressed its appreciation to the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas "for his substantial contribution and consistent support in efforts to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the maritime sector."
"Congratulations are also extended to the Deputy Minister of Shipping under the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Marina Hadjimanolis, for her strategic vision, effective leadership and consistent commitment to the upgrading of Cyprus as an international shipping centre, as well as for promoting policies that strengthen human resources, the foundation of the shipping industry," the Union's announcement continued.
It also made special mention of the presence of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of Greece Vassilis Kikilias, "whose participation underlined the importance of regional cooperation and collective action to address the challenges facing seafarers."
The CUS also welcomes the participation of MEP Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Chair of the Committee on Transport and Tourism of the European Parliament, "who contributed substantially to the dialogue, highlighting the importance of the European dimension in shaping policies for the future of seafarers."
"The intervention of the President of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, Polys V. Hajioannou, was significant and substantive. In his statement, Hajioannou clearly highlighted the need for collective responsibility and enhanced cooperation between governments, the shipping industry and international organizations for the benefit of seafarers and shipping as a whole.
Among other things, he emphasised that "we cannot continue to call seafarers 'frontline workers' in statements and speeches and at the same time not treat them as such", concluding with the key point that "seafarers deserve to be visible".
The Conference brought together high-ranking officials, policymakers, shipping industry leaders and international bodies, promoting a substantive dialogue on critical issues such as maritime education and training, human resource development, digital transition and seafarers' well-being, the announcement also noted.
"We are confident that the conclusions of the Conference will contribute to the formulation of targeted actions and policies that will enhance a sustainable, competitive and inclusive future for global shipping," it continued, concluding, "Finally, we once again congratulate the Deputy Ministry of Shipping for this emblematic initiative and reaffirm our commitment to supporting actions that promote the long-term development of shipping and its people."
