Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis paid a working visit to Chios on 7 May, where she participated in the '1st Mare Forum Chios,' giving the conference's keynote address.
As noted in an official announcement from the Deputy Ministry, Hadjimanolis referred to the challenges faced by global shipping, underlining the need for cooperation and collective actions and initiatives.
On the sidelines of her visit, Hadjimanolis attended the University of the Aegean on the occasion of Career Day. At a special event, the Deputy Minister spoke about the maritime and maritime professions and the prospects of employment and advancement in the shipping industry as well as about Cypriot shipping. She also had the opportunity to talk to Cypriot students who are studying at the University of the Aegean.
Afterwards, the Deputy Minister travelled to Brussels ahead of the conference entitled 'Shaping Policy, Driving Change: Equality and Inclusion in the Maritime Sector, which was hosted by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping, in the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, on 12 May.
The Conference brought together high-level representatives from the EU institutions, including the Belgian Minister of Justice and North Sea Annelies Verlinden, the Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism, Elisavet Vozemberg-Vryonides, as well as the Commissioner for Gender Equality of the Republic of Cyprus, Josie Christodoulou. In addition, the Conference was attended by representatives of international organisations and other maritime bodies, with the aim of enhancing diversity and equality as well as promoting equal opportunities for integration and advancement in the maritime sector.
During the Conference, the Shipping Deputy Ministry, in collaboration with WISTA Cyprus, WISTA International and the European Commission's Platform for Women in Transport, presented the 'Honours for Diversity and Inclusion' awards, with the support of important partners in the shipping industry.
On the sidelines of the Conference, the Deputy Minister held a series of meetings with representatives of the EU institutions and heads of major maritime bodies. On Monday, 11 May, the Shipping Deputy Ministry also hosted an official dinner as part of the Conference.
