On 22 August, the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) signed a partnership agreement with the World Maritime University (WMU) to support the development of the Integrated Maritime Strategy of Lebanon. This agreement was signed in the framework of the European Union funded project “Strengthening Capability for Integrated Border Management in Lebanon” (EU IBM Lebanon Phase 3).
Extensive efforts are being invested to enhance maritime governance in Lebanon, especially following the explosion in the Port of Beirut on 4 August 2020. The EU IBM Lebanon Phase 3 project is working to support effective, efficient, and coordinated border management in Lebanon and given the expertise of WMU in policy development and capacity building and the University’s wide-ranging experience on maritime conceptualization. Viktor Makai EU IBM Lebanon Phase 3 project manager described the partnership as a unique opportunity to benefit from the rich knowledge of the World Maritime University.
From the onset of the work and to ensure synergy amongst all actors, ICMPD and WMU will adopt inter-agency cooperation and coordination between security agencies as well as all relevant public entities in Lebanon who are involved in the maritime sector.
WMU has been instrumental in supporting ICMPD in the development of Lebanon’s National Integrated Maritime Policy, providing expertise to direct the national maritime policy-building process. WMU engineered and moderated the delivery of two webinars since May: “Maritime Lebanon” and “Safety and Security of Shipping”. The webinar series is run and commissioned by ICMPD and is designed as a platform for transparent discussion by experts on the potentials and challenges facing the maritime sector, including coordinated border security management in Lebanon. The discussions will support the development of a National Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) in Lebanon.
About WMU - The World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden is established within the framework of the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. The mission of WMU is to be the world centre of excellence in postgraduate maritime and oceans education, professional training and research, while building global capacity and promoting sustainable development. WMU’s vision is to inspire leadership and innovation for a sustainable maritime and oceans future. WMU is an organization by and for the international maritime community and is committed to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
About EU IBM Lebanon Phase 3 Project - “Strengthening Capability for Integrated Border Management in Lebanon” is a European Union funded project, implemented by ICMPD. Its main objective is to enhance capacities of Lebanese authorities to control the borders while facilitating movement of goods and bona fide travellers through a rights-based approach.