Competing with other industries for the best and brightest is one of the challenges facing the maritime sector. This is a challenge that can be met by listening to the younger generations’ perspective on the industry.

The Global Maritime Forum’s annual Future Maritime Leaders essay competition gives the next generation of leaders a chance for their voice to be heard in the debate about the future – and organisations a chance to listen. This year’s entrants are invited to consider how the global maritime sector can contribute to realising the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The three winners of the competition will be invited to attend the Global Maritime Forum’s Virtual High-Level Meeting this year, as well as the Annual Summit in London in 2021, with all expenses covered.

The UN has dubbed the next 10 years its ‘Decade of Action’ for delivering the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainable Development Goals are a set of shared ambitions, providing the road map towards a better global future. Fulfilling these ambitions will take a concerted and collaborative effort between a wide range of stakeholders in a variety of different fields.

Over the next decade, the global maritime industry finds itself in a unique position to contribute to realizing these goals. International shipping is responsible for the transport of 80% of global trade as well as having deep connections to a wide range of stakeholders from across the value chain. This gives it a vital role in tackling issues like trade and growth, climate change, global infrastructure and food and energy security.

Essay question: Over the next decade, how can the maritime sector continue to contribute to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals?