On Tuesday, 29 October 2024, the University of Malta and the International Ocean Institute, headquartered at the University of Malta Msida Campus, met to officially extend their partnership by signing an addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding originally signed on 26 April 2021, with regards to their joint offering of the IOI Training Programme on Regional Ocean Governance for the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic, and Caspian Seas.

The Addendum was signed in the presence of distinguished representatives from both institutions. UM Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, representing the University of Malta, signed the Addendum with Antonella Vassallo (Managing Director, IOI); Prof. Awni Behnam, (Honorary President, IOI, and Course Academic Director), Prof. Alan Deidun (Director of the IOI Malta Training Centre and resident academic within the Department of Geosciences) and Mr Cosmin Chivu (Project Officer, IOI) represented the considerable support and expertise of both organisations, essential to the success of the programme over the years since its launch in 2005.

This year’s edition, the 19th of its kind, is scheduled to take place over the 6 November - 6 December 2024 period, under the direction of Prof. Behnam and Prof. Deidun, supporting 18 participants hailing from 10 different countries. The Course, the only accredited IOI Training Course offered globally (through Study-Units GSC5101, GSC5102 and GSC5103), is offered jointly by the University of Malta (through the Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Science) and the International Ocean Institute (IOI). Over the past 18 runs of the Course, over 350 ocean governance practitioners, hailing from 35+ countries, have been trained. 

“This course is vital for addressing the pressing environmental challenges faced by the Mediterranean, Black, Baltic, and Caspian Seas. By equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and tools, we can foster sustainable management practices that protect marine ecosystems while promoting international collaboration. This programme also emphasises the importance of climate resilience and integrated resource management. Ultimately, we aim to empower future leaders in ocean governance to advocate for and implement effective policies, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for our vital marine regions”, said Prof. Deidun.

The ceremony highlighted the shared commitment of both institutions to fostering capacity-building in ocean governance across key regions, particularly the semi enclosed seas of Mediterranean, Black, Baltic, and Caspian regions. Speaking after the event, Dr Behnam and Rector Vella reiterated the importance of the programme’s role in the respective institutions’ global and regional outreach.

With the Addendum in place, both parties look forward to continuing their impactful work together, empowering a new generation of ocean leaders and experts for the region.