Underscoring our responsibility to prepare future leaders for an industry that is increasingly influenced by automation and artificial intelligence (AI).
The International Day of Education, commemorated on 24 January 2025, falls under the theme of “AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation”. The theme inspires reflections on the power of education to equip individuals and communities to navigate, understand and influence technological advancement.
In recognition of the International Day of Education 2025, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, WMU President, provided the following message:
“The International Day of Education is an opportunity to reflect on the vital role of education in shaping resilient and innovative societies. The 2025 theme, "Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation," resonates with maritime educators, underscoring our responsibility to prepare future leaders for an industry that is increasingly influenced by automation and artificial intelligence (AI).
In our industry, AI systems are revolutionizing navigation, logistics and operations, which in turn means that we must prepare skilled professionals for this evolution. AI offers the advantages of enhancing precision, efficiency and safety through automation of complex tasks. Yet the unpredictability of the multi-faceted factors in the shipping industry will continue to require leadership, ethical judgment and crisis management from a skilled workforce. Maritime education is at the forefront of this transformation, balancing the opportunities of advanced technologies with the irreplaceable value of human expertise.
Education has the power to transform lives. On this International Day of Education, we at WMU reaffirm our commitment to fostering maritime professionals that thrive within the expanding influence of AI, recognizing that the human touch will remain invaluable. Through preserving human agency in a world of automation, we will navigate the adaptation to technological advances towards ensuring that the maritime industry remains safe, sustainable and innovative.
Let’s collectively champion an education paradigm that optimizes and complements human ingenuity and expertise with advances in technology.”
As the International Maritime Organization’s apex institution for postgraduate maritime and ocean education, the United Nations General Assembly, in its Resolutions on Ocean and Law of the Sea, continues each year to recognize WMU as a centre of excellence for maritime and oceans education, research, scholarship and capacity development. In the maritime context, education and training play a vital role for safe, secure and sustainable maritime and ocean development. WMU is committed to contributing to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 - Quality Education, by educating future maritime leaders, policy-makers and stewards of maritime and oceans sustainable development. WMU is positioned and willing to assist and support, to the greatest extent possible, the capacity-building efforts of all relevant and well-meaning stakeholders through enhanced and life-long maritime/oceans education and training.
