Recap of the 2025 World Ocean Day Celebration
Recap of the 2025 World Ocean Day Celebration
Inspiring Youth and Elevating Women’s Role in the Maritime Sector
On the occasion of the 2025 World Ocean Day, WISTA Cameroon and the Association of Women of the Port Authority of Kribi (AFPAK) hosted a memorable encounter with students from several institutions. The goal was to spark career aspirations and showcase the many opportunities in the port and maritime industry.
Event Highlights
From September 22 to 23 in Kribi, and on September 25 in Yaoundé, the celebration was marked by several key activities:
-
Inspiring exchanges: women leaders in the maritime sector shared their experiences and encouraged students to believe in their ambitions.
-
Guided visit: discovery of the Port of Kribi’s facilities, offering a firsthand view of the country’s strategic maritime vision.
-
Awareness and action: outreach to schoolgirls and a beach cleanup campaign to emphasize ocean preservation.
-
National conference: hosted at the Ministry of Transport (MINT) in Yaoundé under the theme “Our ocean, our obligation, our opportunity”.
Official Recognition
The closing ceremony was presided over by H.E. Jean Ernest Masséna Ngallé Bibehe, Minister of Transport, who praised the initiative and called on young people to actively contribute to building the nation’s future and supporting Cameroon’s economic development.
The Ocean as a Driver of Sustainable Development
A strong message was also delivered by the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, emphasizing that the blue economy’s growth depends on sustainable practices, not as barriers but as true cornerstones of global prosperity.
In a keynote address on behalf of WISTA Cameroon President Linda Mabuh Mutoh, Mariama Njika stressed that “the ocean is a driver of trade, food, and sustainable development”, but warned that it is increasingly threatened by plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
A Call for Collective Action
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Transport, Mireille Nguele Ahanda highlighted that 90% of global trade is carried out via the seas, with 80% of Cameroon’s trade relying on maritime transport. This crucial role calls for collective responsibility in protecting oceans and promoting careers across maritime sectors: ship navigation, marine engineering, port management, logistics, maritime law, marine biology, oceanographic research, and environmental studies.
Conclusion
The 2025 World Ocean Day celebration succeeded in:
-
raising awareness among the younger generation,
-
highlighting the contribution of women in the maritime industry,
-
and reinforcing the message that the ocean lies at the heart of sustainable development for Cameroon and the world.
