The annual WISTA (International Women's Network in Maritime Transport) conference will be held from October 28 to 30, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This event, titled "Bridging Borders, Leading Change: Asia Shaping the Future of Maritime and Trade," will be hosted by WISTA Malaysia, WISTA Singapore, and WISTA Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. These three days will focus on the capabilities and diversity of the maritime community in Asia.
Focusing on Maritime Industry Challenges
At this conference, industry leaders, experts, policymakers, and professionals will come together to discuss and exchange ideas on key challenges facing the maritime industry. Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International, stated: "The WISTA International conference is an important opportunity for the maritime community to address key industry challenges while promoting gender diversity and inclusion in the transport, logistics, and trade sectors."
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Conference Programs and Key Speakers
The conference will feature engaging programs for participants. Among these programs will be intimate discussions with Thomas Kazakos, Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and important discussions regarding leadership and the future of maritime in Asia. Additionally, a timely discussion on building an inclusive and future-ready maritime workforce will be held with Mariana Nokti, Program Officer at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and Helio Vincent, Director of Employment Affairs at ICS.
This conference will also dedicate time to hear the voices of women in maritime for the first time. In a focused session titled "Women at Sea," the progress of women's participation in the maritime profession will be addressed, providing practical insights to tackle future workforce challenges.
In addition to industry discussions, the conference will also pay attention to the social and environmental aspects of the maritime industry. Michelle de la Harpe, founder of Meraki Daat, will deliver an important presentation on ocean conservation, community empowerment, and women's initiatives and sustainability in collaboration with coastal communities in Sabah.
Elpi Petraki also highlighted the importance of this conference, stating: "The WISTA International conference is a great opportunity for industry professionals to connect and build lasting relationships, and we look forward to welcoming representatives from around the world to Kuala Lumpur this month."
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