2 December, Malta, and online - During the 20th IOI Training Programme on Regional Ocean Governance for the Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas, Malta
The 4th IOI Alumni CPD Seminar took place on the 2nd of December in person and online at Europa House in Valletta, Malta, during the 20th IOI Training Course on Regional Governance for The Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas. This event formed part of the IOI’s ongoing commitment to support its alumni and early-career ocean professionals through timely learning and dialogue on evolving global ocean issues. Aimed at practitioners, policymakers, and scholars, the sessions offer insights into one of the most pressing challenges facing ocean governance today.
In an increasingly complex and contested global landscape, the ocean is emerging as a strategic frontier where competing interests in sovereignty, resource use, security, and environmental protection collide. From rising tensions in contested maritime zones to the undeniable impact of a changing climate, the governance of our ocean spaces is being reshaped by shifting geopolitical realities. At the same time, global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation demand stronger cooperation and multilateral governance.
This IOI CPD event explored how questions of maritime security, national sovereignty, and sustainable ocean use are becoming more interlinked - and what this means for the future of ocean governance. Through expert contributions, the session examined practical strategies for balancing national interests with the shared responsibilities of ocean stewardship, particularly in a time of eroding multilateralism and growing strategic competition.
Awni Behnam (Honorary President, IOI and Course Director, Malta Training Programme on Regional Governance) opened the session with welcome remarks that underscored the IOI’s mission to foster leadership in ocean governance through inclusive dialogue and knowledge sharing. A video message by Thomas Bajada (Member of the European Parliament for Malta, and IOI Alumnus) followed, highlighting the EU’s role in strengthening international cooperation in ocean affairs. The scene-setting keynote was delivered by Christian Bueger (Professor of International Relations, University of Copenhagen), who framed the ocean as a geopolitical arena shaped by strategic interests, fragmented governance, and growing demands for multilateral solutions.
The first expert exchange, moderated by Antonella Vassallo (Managing Director, IOI), brought together three distinguished speakers: Giovanni Buttigieg (Head, Science Diplomacy, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta), Alan Deidun (Ocean Ambassador for Malta, Director, IOI Malta Training Centre), and Ann Fenech (Partner, Fenech & Fenech Advocates; President, Comité Maritime International). Dr Fenech underscored the critical role of international legal frameworks in supporting maritime security, predictability, and dispute resolution; Mr Buttigieg reflected on the intersection of diplomacy, science, and governance, noting the promise of science diplomacy in building trust and shared understanding across jurisdictions; and Prof Deidun shared examples of effective science-policy cooperation and emphasized the importance of ocean literacy and public engagement in shaping legitimate and inclusive governance outcomes. The session highlighted the value of cross-sector cooperation, knowledge creation and sharing, and rules-based frameworks in navigating sovereignty, sustainability, and security at sea.
Cosmin Chivu (Project Officer, IOI) moderated the second expert exchange, which explored how capacity development, leadership, and cooperation can contribute to more resilient and inclusive ocean governance. The panel featured Gina Panayiotou (Founder, CEO, Oceans Arena), who shared insights from her cross-sector experience in ESG strategy, legal frameworks, and stakeholder engagement - highlighting the importance of accountability and collaboration in fragmented governance systems. Rebecca Lahl (Director, IOI Germany Centre, and Head: Ocean Literacy, Equity and Leadership, ZMT Bremen) emphasized the value of knowledge exchange, ocean literacy, and equity in ensuring inclusive decision-making processes - particularly for early-career professionals, women, and underrepresented communities. Cristina Ciobotariu (IOI MTP25 Class Representative, Romania) brought the perspective of the next generation of ocean leaders, reflecting on the importance of training programmes like the IOI’s in shaping awareness and engagement in global ocean issues. She also addressed the need to further bridge the participation gap for young professionals in international governance processes.
The session concluded with a closing message from Teodor Musat, Class Representative of the 2025 Training Programme on Regional Ocean Governance for the Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas, who offered a heartfelt reflection on the shared commitment of his peers to uphold the values of sustainability, cooperation, and informed leadership in ocean affairs.
The full address from the class representative may be accessed here:
Learn more about the IOI Alumni CPD series here.