The IMO International Maritime Law Institute held its 29th Graduation Ceremony on 9 June at the Malta Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa. The ceremony, presided by Kitack Lim, IMO secretary-general and chairman of the IMLI Governing Board, was attended by many distinguished personalities.
During the Graduation Ceremony 42 students from 34 countries were awarded the Degree of Master of Laws in International Maritime Law. Seven students from seven different countries were awarded the Degree of Master of Humanities in International Maritime Legislation and two more students were awarded an Advanced Diploma in International Maritime Law. Their graduation is the culmination of a very intensive year of studies in all the areas of international maritime law, including law of the sea, shipping law, marine environmental law, international maritime security law and maritime legislation drafting.
In a message to the graduating class, Lim noted that "the quality training offered at the Institute has helped developing countries to take their rightful positions and play their part in international maritime affairs. IMLI's education has ensured that IMO member states have the legal expertise required for the incorporation and effective implementation of international maritime conventions. IMO and its member states are proud of this institution which, year after year, contributes to the capacity building of nations around the world by producing a cadre of high-level managers, policy-makers and other key personnel".