The International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), through its TrainForTrade Programme have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalise their collaboration in advancing capacity building and knowledge sharing for port communities worldwide.

This important partnership will further support the Port Management Programme's international networks in French, English, and Spanish, serving port communities across the globe. Under the MoU, both organisations will work together to:

• Facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices in port management and operations.
• Support capacity building initiatives under the TrainForTrade Port Management Programme.
• Promote joint activities including workshops, seminars, and digital training simulations.
Collaborate on the development of training packages and content to address emerging challenges in the maritime and port sectors.

The agreement was presented on two significant occasions by Mark Assaf, Chief of the Human Resources Development Section/TrainForTrade at UNCTAD, and Paul O'Regan, President of the IHMA. The first took place on 22 May 2025 in Belfast, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, during the inaugural IHMA Seminar Beyond Convention: Innovation through Diversification, hosted by Belfast Harbour.

Signing the MoU at the IHMA Seminar in Belfast

The second presentation followed on 26 May 2025 in Dublin, Ireland, as part of the TrainForTrade Port Management Events, hosted by Dublin Port Company alongside its partners Port of Cork Company, Belfast Harbour, and Shannon Foynes Port Company, for representatives from 10 beneficiary countries: 🇬🇭 Ghana, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇲🇻 Maldives, 🇳🇦 Namibia, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands, and 🇹🇿 the United Republic of Tanzania.

“Formalising this partnership with the IHMA, whose renowned expertise and global network of Harbour Masters is invaluable, is a great achievement,” said Mark Assaf. “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.”

Second signing at TrainForTrade Port Management Events in Dublin Port Company

IHMA President Paul O'Regan added, “The IHMA is delighted to partner with UNCTAD's TrainForTrade Programme. Our shared commitment to professional development and knowledge exchange will help foster safer, more efficient, and sustainable ports worldwide.”

The collaboration will commence with joint participation in upcoming capacity building missions and workshops, as well as the integration of IHMA's operational expertise into the regular updates of TrainForTrade's digital training tools and Port Management courses.
Source: International Harbour Masters' Association (IHMA)