by Danae Bezantakou, CEO at Navigator Shipping Consultants, 1st Vice president at the International Propeller Club Port of Piraeus, founder YES Forum, and president iforU Greece, and member of WISTA-Hellas
As 2023 draws to a close, the shipping industry confronts a multitude of challenges, wars and global dilemmas, prompting a crucial focus on investing in youth education. This commitment finds expression in the initiatives of YES Forum, positioning itself as a catalyst for a resilient and informed future for the shipping sector in 2024.
Recognizing the need to prepare the next generation for the complexities of the shipping world, industry leaders actively engage in educational initiatives, fostering a culture of learning and providing accessible education. YES Forum, comprised of young professionals and enthusiasts, emerges as a key player, dedicated to fostering knowledge exchange, collaboration, and leadership development among the industry’s youth.
YES Forum’s impact is notable, serving as a catalyst for open dialogue among school and university students, and recent graduates within the Greek shipping and sea tourism sectors. Under the auspices of the Ministries of Shipping, Education, Tourism, and the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, as well as with the endorsement of Greek Universities, the Forum has been instrumental in creating competent executives to uphold Greece’s esteemed position in the shipping world.
In the current academic year, YES Forum demonstrated its commitment through physical presentations, Open Days with Companies, and mentoring programs, reaching 70 schools, and engaging over 11,000 students. The upcoming Youth Day at Posidonia in 2024, where YES Forum participates, will provide opportunities for students and young maritime executives to interact with industry leaders, fostering hands-on, interactive education.
Integrating young minds into the maritime sector is not merely an investment in the future but a strategic move for industry innovation. Engaging students in discussions about industry challenges, such as decarbonization, digitalization, and labor shortages, fosters a dynamic and forward-thinking mindset. Despite a rich history of 2,500 years, the Greek shipping industry faces a challenge with a decline in seafarers, from 150,000 seafarers in 1990 to 20,000 in 2023, emphasizing the need for extensive training in new technologies and active engagement with youth for continuity of the Greek shipping miracle.
YES Forum, acting as a crucial bridge, connects industry leaders with the enthusiasm and creativity of the next generation. Key metrics highlight the Forum’s impact, with 60 open dialogues, 250+ hours of discussion, and outreach to over 2 million people through various channels.
Looking ahead, YES Forum’s Vision for 2024 focuses on enhancing educational outreach, promoting innovation and sustainability, and strengthening global connectivity. This perfectly aligns with the shipping goals for 2024, being the “Year of Maritime Education”, as stated by the Minister of Shipping, Mr. Stylianides, The Forum aims to collaborate with educational institutions, industry experts, and create a global community through networking events and conferences.
As the industry faces challenges at the close of 2023, investing in the education and development of the next generation becomes imperative. YES Forum’s actions and strategies for 2024 reflect a commitment to shaping a resilient, innovative, and sustainable future for the shipping sector. By empowering the youth, the industry not only ensures survival but thrives in the face of adversity, steering towards a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow.
