WISTA International introduces Associate Membership with collaboration high on Mid-Term Meeting agenda

The WISTA International Executive Committee gathered in London from 17 – 19 April for its annual Mid-Term Meeting, with an agenda highlighting the role partnerships and collaboration continue to play in driving change in the maritime industry.



During the three-day programme, the Executive Committee met with WISTA International partners, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Chamber of Shipping. Discussions focused on current and future collaborations, with an emphasis on increasing awareness of the importance of inclusion across industry projects.



Central to the outcomes of the Mid-Term Meeting was the approval of the WISTA International Associate Membership. This new level of membership will be open to corporate entities operating in the shipping, trading, logistics, energy and related sectors that support WISTA’s mission, but do not qualify as regular members of a National WISTA Association.



“We are pleased to announce that WISTA International will soon be accepting Associate Members, which will enable companies and institutions to join the global WISTA community and play an active role in our global network,” said Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International.



“Our goal is to empower people so that they can reach their full potential. By broadening our membership, we can continue to make tangible differences at both an individual and corporate level.”



In his opening speech at the WISTA International reception held at the IMO, Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez, also stressed the importance of collaboration.



“It is a combined effort, not something that is going to change overnight. But the more we keep having these conversations, understanding of what we are trying to do will increase, and the more that our message goes out, the more changes we can make. Thank you for your continued support to WISTA and the IMO – please continue to be outspoken, highlight the good things but also the areas where we need to make more progress.”