Villa College marked a momentous occasion on December 10, 2024, with the opening of the International Conference on Waves of Change: Nurturing Ocean Resilience and Charting Sustainable Futures. This event brought together global leaders, academics, and experts to address critical issues in ocean governance and sustainability.

A Global Platform for Ocean Sustainability

The conference saw the presentation of 85 scholarly papers by contributors from all across the seven continents, reflecting the global significance of ocean resilience. Covering a diverse array of topics, the sessions underscored a universal commitment to addressing marine challenges and fostering international cooperation for sustainable solutions.

Opening Ceremony and Keynote Address

The event was officially inaugurated by Dr. Amzath Ahmed, Honorable Minister of State for Fisheries and Ocean Resources of the Maldives. Dr. Amzath emphasized the need for innovative, collaborative approaches to marine conservation, highlighting the critical role of interdisciplinary partnerships in reversing ocean degradation and ensuring sustainability. His speech set a tone of urgency for collective action in the face of global marine challenges.

Prof. Patrick Vrancken, Chair of the Law of the Sea and Development in Africa at Nelson Mandela University, delivered the conference’s keynote address. In his lecture, titled “The Freedom of the High Seas: Freedom from Restriction or Freedom from Authority?”, Prof. Vrancken explored the complexities of maritime law, offering deep insights into the evolving governance of international waters.

The conference was strategically scheduled to coincide with the Maldives' Fishermen’s Day, a national celebration of the contributions made by the fishing community. This alignment spotlighted the vital relationship between healthy oceans and the livelihoods of fishing communities around the world.

Villa College’s Vision for Marine Law and Governance

Dr. Ahmed Anwar, Rector of Villa College, extended a warm welcome to attendees, emphasizing the transformative role of academia in advancing marine law and sustainability. Dr. Ahmed Anwar highlighted Villa College’s upcoming Marine Law Centre, which is set to open in 2025, and the importance of fostering international collaborations to further the center’s impact on global marine governance.

Partners’ Dialogue: Collaborative Solutions for Ocean Challenges

The inaugural day featured a dynamic Partners’ Dialogue session, moderated by Ustaza Asna Ahmed, Dean of the Faculty of Shariah and Law. The panel included notable experts such as

• Ms. Fathimath Nafha Asim from Ocean Parley, Maldives
• Dr. S. Shanthakumar from Gujarat National Law University, India
• Dr. Alana Lancaster from the University of the West Indies, Barbados
• Dr. Mustafa Baskara from Ankara University, Turkey
• Dr. Deepti Khubalkar from Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur, India
• Dr. Abhay Singh from Gujarat Maritime University

Discussions revolved around the importance of partnerships in advancing ocean sustainability, with panelists sharing insights on grassroots conservation, climate change research, and the development of robust legal frameworks. Each speaker highlighted the need for the Marine Law Centre to become a global hub for advancing marine governance, and the potential for continued cooperation between academic institutions worldwide to achieve shared sustainability goals.

A Collective Commitment to Sustainability

The academic and institutional partners of the conference include DEHUKAM, University of Ankara, Caribbean Environmental Law Unit, University of the West Indies, Symbiosis International University, Gujarat Maritime University, Gujarat National Law University, and Ocean Parley, Maldives. Their collective contributions reflect a shared commitment to addressing the complex challenges of ocean governance and sustainability.

Dr. Sukhvinder Singh Dari, Director of Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur, India, concluded the day with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, recognizing the contributions of speakers, participants, and organizers.

As the conference unfolded, participants are inspired to create actionable solutions for a sustainable marine future. Villa College, with its dedication to fostering global partnerships and innovative research, is poised to lead the charge in shaping international marine law and sustainability efforts.

By driving collaboration and innovation, Villa College is not only addressing current challenges but also paving the way for future generations to inherit resilient, thriving oceans.