IMHA and UNCTAD partner on ports
The International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have joined forces to enhance capacity building and knowledge sharing in port communities across the world.
The TrainForTrade Programme will see the two work together to advance port management expertise, develop joint training initiatives and promote exchange across port networks in English, French and Spanish.
Under the partnership IHMA and UNCTAD will deliver workshops, digital training simulations and updated course content to address current and future challenges in the maritime and port sectors.
“Formalising this partnership with the IHMA, whose renowned expertise and global network of Harbour Masters is invaluable, is a great achievement,” said Mark Assaf, chief of the Human Resources Development Section at UNCTAD.
“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.”
The memorandum of understanding was presented during two major events in May 2025 – the inaugural IHMA Seminar in Belfast and the TrainForTrade Port Management Events in Dublin, involving representatives from 10 countries including Ghana, Kenya and the Philippines.
“The IHMA is delighted to partner with UNCTAD’s TrainForTrade Programme,” said IHMA president Paul O’Regan.
“Our shared commitment to professional development and knowledge exchange will help foster safer, more efficient and sustainable ports worldwide.”
The agreement supports UNCTAD’s Port Management Programme, which operates in over 30 countries.
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