The maritime world is changing and is becoming an industry for everyone, both men and women.  However, women only represent two percent of the world's 1.25 million maritime workforce.    Therefore, Brunei Darussalam appreciates the theme for this year's World Maritime Day which invites us to empower women in the maritime community.

The theme provides an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of gender equality, in line with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to highlight the important contribution of women all over the world to the maritime sector.

In the words of the theme, the International Maritime Organization does indeed play a "central role" to uphold its long-standing goals to increase the participation of women in the maritime industry. It has been facilitating change by developing a programme for the integration of women in the maritime sector since 1988.  Brunei Darussalam is encouraged by their work and together with various maritime stakeholders, the Organization also helps create an environment to promote maritime career development opportunities for women.

This is further bolstered by the significant progress made by the World Maritime University, founded by the International Maritime Organization, towards promoting the advancement of women in the maritime sector. By 2018, a total of 1,029 females had graduated from the World Maritime University, out of 4,919 graduates.

Given that 90% of world trade is transported by sea, seafaring is seen as a vital organ of the maritime industry.  From a holistic perspective, we need to look beyond seafaring as the only maritime career choice. Without pulses, the vital organ will not function.  Women can therefore become these "pulses" by assuming careers that grow this dynamic industry. This is especially true and made even more possible today with the advent of the Industrial Revolution 4.0.

The immense work by the International Maritime Organization on e- Navigation is an example where technology is recognised as a solution for sustainable, safe, efficient and secure shipping.  In addition to that, Electronic Nautical Charts (ENC), Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) have long replaced nautical charts and nautical publications.

The revolution of the maritime industry in the era of new technology, such as autonomous navigation, smart commerce and cyber security to name an important few, opens the door to more female participation.

At the national level, a Labour Force Survey was conducted by the Department of Economic Planning and Development, Ministry of Finance and Economy, in 2018, found that the percentage of women who are employed as professionals surpassed their male counterparts by 10.8%. More women in Brunei Darussalam are employed in the human, health and social works, education, finance and insurance, information and communication, and in accommodation and food services sectors.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) forecasts around 500 jobs can be created through the establishment of secondary port (aggregates), marina, vessel Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO), non-conventional port and maritime specialist services as well as through their spin-off businesses. Out of these numbers, 50% is forecasted as potential work opportunity for women.

Lastly, Brunei Darussalam through the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD), continues to support the work of the International Maritime Organization and work closely with other fellow Member States towards the overall achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.