The International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalise their collaboration in advancing capacity building and knowledge sharing for port communities worldwide.
The MoU will see the organisations work together to enable the exchange of expertise and best practices in port management and operations; support capacity building plans under the TrainForTrade port management programme; endorse joint activities including workshops, seminars, and digital training simulations; and to cooperate on the development of training content to tackle arising issues in the maritime and port sectors.
“This collaboration comes at a critical time as ports increasingly request support to reinforce their essential role in global supply chain resilience and sustainable trade,” said Mark Assaf, chief of the human resources department section/TrainForTrade at UNCTAD.
Serving port communities globally, the partnership will support the programme’s international networks in English, French, and Spanish.
With an inaugural IHMA seminar held in Belfast on May 22, 2025, the second presentation was hosted in Dublin and was attended by representatives from 10 beneficiary countries: Ghana; Kenya; Malaysia; Maldives; Namibia; Nigeria; Philippines; Serbia; Solomon Islands; and Tanzania.
“Our shared commitment to professional development and knowledge exchange will help foster safer, more efficient, and sustainable ports worldwide,” added IHMA president Paul O’Regan.
