The International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)TrainForTrade Programme Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Port Capacity Building Worldwide
The International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) and the United Nations Conference on Trade
and Development (UNCTAD), through its TrainForTrade Programme have signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) to formalise their collaboration in advancing capacity building and knowledge
sharing for port communities worldwide.
This important partnership will further support the Port Management Programme’s international
networks in French, English, and Spanish, serving port communities across the globe. Under the MoU,
both organisations will work together to:
- Facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices in port management and operations.
- Support capacity building initiatives under the TrainForTrade Port Management Programme.
- Promote joint activities including workshops, seminars, and digital training simulations.
- Collaborate on the development of training packages and content to address emerging
challenges in the maritime and port sectors.
The agreement was presented on two significant occasions by Mark Assaf, Chief of the Human
Resources Development Section/TrainForTrade at UNCTAD, and Paul O’Regan, President of the IHMA.
The first took place on 22 May 2025 in Belfast, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,
during the inaugural IHMA Seminar Beyond Convention: Innovation through Diversification, hosted by
Belfast Harbour.
The second presentation followed on 26 May 2025 in Dublin, Ireland, as part of the TrainForTrade Port
Management Events, hosted by Dublin Port Company alongside its partners Port of Cork Company,
Belfast Harbour, and Shannon Foynes Port Company, for representatives from 10 beneficiary countries:
🇬🇠Ghana, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇲🇻 Maldives, 🇳🇦 Namibia, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇵🇠Philippines, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇸🇧
Solomon Islands, and 🇹🇿 the United Republic of Tanzania.
“Formalising this partnership with the IHMA, whose renowned expertise and global network of
Harbour Masters is invaluable, is a great achievement,” said Mark Assaf. “This collaboration comes at
a critical time as ports increasingly request support to reinforce their essential role in global supply
chain resilience and sustainable trade.”
IHMA President Paul O’Regan added, “The IHMA is delighted to partner with UNCTAD’s TrainForTrade
Programme. Our shared commitment to professional development and knowledge exchange will help
foster safer, more efficient, and sustainable ports worldwide.”
The collaboration will commence with joint participation in upcoming capacity building missions and
workshops, as well as the integration of IHMA’s operational expertise into the regular updates of
TrainForTrade’s digital training tools and Port Management courses.
About IHMA
The International Harbour Masters’ Association (IHMA) represents a global membership of over 200
Harbour Masters and port professionals from more than 50 countries. Its members are responsible
for managing safe, secure, and efficient operations at some of the world’s busiest and most
strategically important ports. IHMA provides a platform for sharing best practices, technical
knowledge, and professional development opportunities, fostering international collaboration among
maritime authorities and stakeholders.
About TrainForTrade
The UNCTAD TrainForTrade Port Management Programme (PMP) enhances efficient port
management in developing countries. It creates networks that connect public, private, and
international entities to boost trade and economic growth. The programme shares expertise among
port operators and improves talent management and human resources. It operates in over 40
countries worldwide.
