CHAMPIONING WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN WIMA ASIA: JOINS 2025 APFSD in Bangkok, Thailand
Merle Jimenez-San Pedro, President of Women in Maritime (WIMA) Asia and WIMA Philippines, as well as President of Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation – Legazpi City, participated in a side event of the 12th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) on 28 February 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The APFSD, organized annually by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), serves as a regional platform for reviewing progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s forum focused on advancing economic resilience, inclusive growth, and sustainable development, particularly for women and marginalized sectors.
San Pedro’s participation in the independently organized side event reinforced the critical role of women in maritime and their contributions to achieving gender inclusivity in the industry. She highlighted the efforts of WIMA Asia and WIMA Philippines in empowering women seafarers, promoting capacity-building programs, and fostering partnerships that ensure equal opportunities within the maritime sector.
In alignment with the APFSD theme, the side event examined the challenges and opportunities faced by women in maritime, discussing policy measures to enhance workforce participation, leadership, and access to maritime education and training. Emphasizing the importance of sustainable shipping and digital innovation, Ms. San Pedro advocated for stronger collaboration between government agencies, educational institutions, and private stakeholders to support women’s professional advancement in maritime industry.
Apart from participating in the discussions, San Pedro engaged with international maritime leaders, policymakers, and development organizations, strengthening networks that can drive further initiatives supporting women’s roles in maritime governance and sustainability efforts. Distinguished guests include Ms. Yang Lin, Deputy Exec Secretary UN ESCAP, HE Amena Yauvoli Amb Extraordinary Republic of Fiji, Mr Park Seunggee Vice Pres of Korea Ports and Harbor, Ms. Panita Charoenphol, Dep Director General of Port of Thailand, and Ms. Jennifer Mudge, Sr Specialist on Gender Equality Non-Discrimination and Inclusion, ILO.
WIMA ASIA President also highlighted the Global Strategy for the IMO WIMA associations as WIMA ASIA’s contribution to the campaign in promoting SDG5 and bridging the gap in the areas of training opportunities , visibility and policies in support of women empowerment with more women leaders at the helm of decision making .
As a recognized leader in maritime education and gender advocacy, Ms. San Pedro’s presence at the APFSD reaffirms the commitment of WIMA Asia and WIMA Philippines to advancing the SDGs, particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 14 (Life Below Water), in the maritime domain. Her contributions continue to inspire and pave the way for more inclusive and sustainable maritime development across the Asia-Pacific region.