In memory of IOI founder Elisabeth Mann Borgese, visionary advocate of the ocean as the Common Heritage of Mankind, the Elisabeth Mann Borgese Medal was awarded on 11 December to Dr Awni Behnam, recognising his lifelong leadership, dedication to ocean governance, and commitment to carrying forward her vision.

The 4th IOI Alumni CPD Seminar, held on 2 December in Valletta and online, brought together experts, alumni, and early-career professionals to explore the growing links between maritime security, sovereignty, and sustainable ocean governance in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

Antonella Vassallo, Managing Director, represented the IOI at the Global Forum for Human Settlements. The event commemorated the Forum’s 20th Anniversary and World Cities Day.

The 20th IOI Malta Training Programme, accredited by the University of Malta, brought together 23 participants from 17 countries for five weeks of intensive learning, combining academic excellence, practical simulations, and field visits to strengthen leadership and cooperation in regional ocean governance.

This customised training on Coastal and Ocean Governance for Indigenous Peoples was planned with and for Indigenous Peoples from Mi’kma’ki, Wolastokuk and Peskotomuhkatik (Maritime Provinces).

The engagement, commitment and excellent work of the IOI Ocean Academy Directors has been the foundation upon which the success of the IOI’s Ocean Literacy outreach programme relies. In 2025, 52 IOI Ocean Academy Courses will have been successfully delivered globally.

IOI was invited to contribute to the Oceans Decade Fifth Foundations Dialogue at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) in Japan, with a special focus on the theme “Ocean literacy and capacity building”.

The 2025/2026 EMB Bursary was awarded to Ms Antonia Scicluna to carry out an investigation on the artisanal fishery targeting Portunus segnis (Blue Swimmer Crab) and other alien crustaceans in Maltese waters.

Distinguished speakers invited for the International Roundtable Consultation “MARITIME ORDER IN THE GLOBAL ERA, National Interest vs. Common Good of Humanity” organised by the International Progress Organization (IPO) paid a courtesy visit to IOI Headquarters.

IOI was represented at the 16th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in Geneva from 20 to 23 October. The Conference focussed on ‘Shaping the future’ and led to the “Geneva Consensus", providing direction for UNCTAD’s future work.