Brussels Conference on Seafarer Well-being; Advocating for the Welfare of Seafarers:

 Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta, the Director of Sitara Shipping and Founder of MaritimeSheEO, at the Conference Venue

The recent Brussels Conference on Seafarer Well-being, hosted at the esteemed Egmont Palace in Belgium, served as a platform for global leaders in the maritime industry to address the crucial issue of seafarer welfare. Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta, the Director of Sitara Shipping and Founder of MaritimeSheEO, who is recognized as one of the 'Top 100 Women in Shipping by All About Shipping UK,' shared her perspectives while representing India at the event. 

Ms. Sanjam Sahi Gupta outlined that the conference began with an opening address by Mr. Paul Van Tigchelt, Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the North Sea, which set the tone for discussions on seafarer well-being. Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), emphasized the importance of the conference in highlighting the welfare of seafarers navigating the world's seas. Coinciding with International Women's Day, a dedicated panel on "Women in Maritime & Inclusion" explored strategies to foster greater inclusion and diversity in the maritime sector. 

The conference focused extensively on deliberations regarding the challenges and opportunities related to improving and safeguarding seafarer well-being. Various stakeholders, such as government officials, maritime industry representatives, and subject matter experts, convened to discuss different facets of this critical issue. The conference comprised high-level panels addressing topics like industry appeal, seafarer retention, diversity, inclusion, and overall seafarer welfare. Led by notable figures in the maritime sector, these conversations sought to generate ideas and identify priorities to enhance seafarer well-being. Throughout the event, significant issues impacting seafarer well-being were prominently discussed.