01-03 September 2025 | Manila, Philippines
Theme: No One Left Adrift: Seafarers at the Cross Currents of Commerce, Conflict and Change
Overview
Seafarers are essential workers in global logistics and trade. Through the hard work of thousands of seafarers, mostly from developing countries, international shipping, commerce and supply chains flow in a regular and predictable manner, ensuring the normal functioning of all societies worldwide.
The United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, during its 56th Session (18 June to 12 July 2024), adopted its first-ever resolution recognizing the vital role seafarers play in society, the human rights risks seafarers face at sea, and the urgency of strengthened collaboration among all maritime shipping stakeholders to promote and protect the human rights, safety, and well-being of seafarers. HRC Resolution 56/18 acknowledges that ensuring safe and decent living and working conditions at sea, especially during crisis situations, is a human rights imperative. Sustained efforts to strengthen protection mechanisms for seafarers’ human rights, safety, and well being are important for their rippling effect on global supply chains and economy and the realization of the sustainable development goals.
Objective and Participation
In pursuit of this objective, the Government of the Philippines will host an International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-Being in Manila from 01 to 03 September 2025. It will serve as a platform for senior government officials, senior representatives of international organizations, and shipping industry stakeholders to discuss major issues affecting seafarers, their impact on the continued dynamism and sustainability of global shipping, and ways forward.
Outcome Document
The Philippine Government, as host, envisions to issue a Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being at the conclusion of the international conference. All maritime industry stakeholders – governments and representatives of seafarers’ and ship owners’ groups – will be invited to endorse the document
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Programme
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Gallery
LIVE: The Philippines hosts the International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-being, bringing together senior government officials, global shipping industry leaders, and international organizations to address urgent challenges faced by seafarers on 01-03 September 2025.
Organized by the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the conference features high-level discussions that foster dialogue, promote learning, and chart a course toward a safer, fairer, and more compassionate future for all seafarers.
Day 1 of the conference focuses on upholding human rights at sea, ensuring protection for all, at all times, and on safeguarding seafarers in crisis situations.
Side events include MARINA’s presentations on the Seafarers Identity Document (SID), the Maritime Energy Demand Information and Analysis Software (MEDIAnS), and the MARINA Integrated Management Online System (MISMO). Maersk also shares strategies and best practices to promote the mental health and well-being of seafarers at sea.
LIVE (PART 2): The Philippines hosts the International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-being, bringing together senior government officials, global shipping industry leaders, and international organizations to address urgent challenges faced by seafarers on 01-03 September 2025.
Organized by the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the conference features high-level discussions that foster dialogue, promote learning, and chart a course toward a safer, fairer, and more compassionate future for all seafarers.
Day 1 of the conference focuses on upholding human rights at sea, ensuring protection for all, at all times, and on safeguarding seafarers in crisis situations.
Side events include MARINA’s presentations on the Seafarers Identity Document (SID), the Maritime Energy Demand Information and Analysis Software (MEDIAnS), and the MARINA Integrated Management Online System (MISMO). Maersk also shares strategies and best practices to promote the mental health and well-being of seafarers at sea.
02 September 2025
LIVE: The Philippines hosts the International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-being, bringing together senior government officials, global shipping industry leaders, and international organizations to address urgent challenges faced by seafarers on 01-03 September 2025.
Organized by the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the conference features high-level discussions that foster dialogue, promote learning, and chart a course toward a safer, fairer, and more compassionate future for all seafarers.
Day 2 highlights the themes of gender equality and inclusivity in the maritime sector, as well as the just transition for seafarers amid global efforts to decarbonize the shipping industry.
Side event includes the Norwegian Training Center’s session, “Training Women to Rise: Navigating the Future of the Maritime Industry,” which explores initiatives to empower women and expand opportunities.
LIVE (PART 2): The Philippines hosts the International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-being, bringing together senior government officials, global shipping industry leaders, and international organizations to address urgent challenges faced by seafarers on 01-03 September 2025.
Organized by the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the conference features high-level discussions that foster dialogue, promote learning, and chart a course toward a safer, fairer, and more compassionate future for all seafarers.
Day 2 also highlights seafarers and the Just transition in the maritime industry.
LIVE: Press Conference for the International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being
Speakers include Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN in Geneva H.E. Carlos D. Sorreta, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) ASec. Jerome Pampolina, and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ASec. Lennard Constantine Serrano. They were also joined by AMOSUP representatives Capt. Jasmin Labarda and 2/M Maribel Villar Singian.
The press conference highlights the presentation of the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being, along with discussions on OFW and labor issues affecting the maritime workforce.
Day 01: September 01, 2025
Day 02: September 02, 2025
Remarks of H.E. Arsenio Dominguez from the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Remarks from H.E. Gilbert F Houngbo, Director General of International Labor Organization (ILO)
Remarks from H.E. Jürg Lauber, President of the United Nations Human Rights Council
Remarks from H.E. Volker Türk, High Commissioner for Human Rights United Nations Human Rights Council
Video Message of Ms. Elpi Petraki, President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trade Association International
