MONROVIA–Beginning today, the nation will begin to welcome swarms of gurus in the global maritime industry for the largest Maritime Conference, which gets underway in Monrovia on tomorrow, Tuesday at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex.

The 8^th Conference of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA), which runs from September 30 to October 3, brings together over 200 delegates from more than 40 African member states, as well as observers from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Tuesday’s conference is being likened, in many quarters, to the 1979 gathering or Conference of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now metamorphosed into the African Union (AU).

It is one of the many elaborate international gatherings that have come to the post-conflict Liberia, or since the end of the civil war and the inauguration of multiple party democratic governance in 2006.

The 1979 OAU Conference was one of late President William R. Tolbert’s flagship milestones.

As result of the OAU Conference, Liberia realized huge infrastructural projects, including the construction of the Unity Conference Center, Hotel Africa, and two new bridges (Gabriel Tucker and St. Paul) and the pavement of the Somalia Drive (from Vai Town to St. Paul River and Hotel Africa Road).

Besides the infrastructural generosities, historians said the Conference helped to reposition and reshape Liberia’s international diplomatic standings as well as bilateral and multilateral engagements.

Experts say Tuesday’s AAMA conference portend huge benefits, while it is seen to be in alignment with Liberia’s strategic role in global maritime, as one of the largest ship carriers in international waters.

The country plays a significant role in international maritime affairs, showcasing its leadership and influence in the global shipping industry.

As a leader in global leadership, Liberia operates one of the world’s largest ship registries is a Category A member of the international Maritime Organization (IMO), reserved for nations with substantial influence in global shipping.

Organizers say the conference will address hordes of issues including challenges and prospects. Significant focus will be on the development of strategic roadmap for Africa’s Blue Economy, emphasizing sustainable growth, global trade competitiveness, capacity building, gender equality, and youth empowerment.

For the purpose of international cooperation, Liberia is said to be actively engaged with the IMO, European Union, African Shipowners Association, and other international organizations to promote maritime safety, environmental protection and global shipping security.

The country has already approved a national maritime strategy (NMS) for the next five years, focusing on collaboration, innovation, and partnerships to ensure the country meets its national and international maritime obligations

Liberia is already investing in maritime education training, with initiatives such as sending students to the Regional Maritime Institute and promoting capacity building in the maritime sector.

The 8^th AAMA conference is coming also at the time of Liberia’s prominence in international maritime affairs evident through its leadership roles, hosting of conferences, and commitment to developing its blue economy and maritime sector.

The gathering is also the meeting of the minds in international maritime architecture, to brainstorm on some of the challenges,

Hosted by the Liberia Maritime Authority, this year conference will bring together be held under the theme “Safeguarding the Oceans, Promoting Decarbonization, and Exploring Africa’s Blue Economy”. Under this generic topic, several issues are expected to be deliberated on ranging from Maritime Governance, Fostering International Cooperation for the Future, Digital Technology, Empowering Women and Youth in the Blue Economy amongst others.

Deliberations and discussions during this year’s conference will appreciate the benefits that may accrue to African countries in terms of capacity building, infrastructural development, and technology transfers.

Hon. Robert Wilmot Kpadeh, Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) told the press last week that the Conference will stress the need for gender diversity and inclusivity in the maritime sector and is expected to call for greater women participation at all levels; robust implementation of maritime single windows to facilitate maritime trade and commerce within Africa; the need for a sustainable financing framework to accelerate the financing and development of maritime projects within Africa amongst others.

PMR Kpadeh also said the 8^th conference presents a great opportunity for Liberia to showcase its blue economy and tourism potentials, and also serve as an important platform to project Liberia’s re-election bid to Category A on the IMO Council, for which elections is scheduled to take place December of this year. The conference will also potentially impact the local economy as delegates will purchase goods and services during the four days  conference.

During the stay of the delegates in Liberia, the country will also benefit from the expertise of maritime experts who will sit multiple panels to discuss key maritime issues ranging from Maritime governance, international cooperation, women and your empowerment in the sector to digital technology among others essential topics to be unpacked during the conference.

Liberia’s Maritime Commissioner and CEO Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr. will lead Liberia’s delegation at the conference in welcoming their foreign counterparts to the capital of Liberia and is very optimistic that Liberia will make the best use of this opportunity to showcase its maritime resources but moreover to   Coordinate, Collaborate, and Cooperate, with other counterparts, emphasizing the importance of working together to effectively implement maritime regulations, counter maritime security threats, and promote maritime security in a coordinated and harmonized way.

His Excellency Vice President Jeremiah Kpang Koung will be in attendance at the opening of the conference on Tuesday to graciously welcome the various delegations from around Africa and the world with a special remark in kicking of the conference.

Permanent Representative Robert Kpadeh is quoted as saying “Liberia is profoundly honored both to be chosen to host this historic gathering of African Maritime nations and to join the ranks of African maritime leaders, experts and political stakeholders in charting the future of Africa’s Blue Economy for a greener, cleaner, safer and more sustainable future”. A historic moment, he describes it.

The program will climax on the 4^th of September, Friday, after which foreign guests will depart Monrovia on the weekend for their respective capital. Ghana is poised to host the Association’s 9^th session next year, with the time and actual date to be determined here in Monrovia.