WISTA International Concludes Meeting in Malaysia with New Leadership and Brazil as Host of Its Next Annual General Meeting

WISTA International held its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and International Conference from October 28 to 30 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, bringing together maritime professionals and representatives from more than 30 national associations to address challenges related to maritime transport, sustainability, digitalization, and women's leadership.

The organization, which has more than 6,500 members across over 64 countries, entered a new institutional chapter with the election of Céline Mortier as president, succeeding Elpi Petraki, who completed four years in office. The renewal of the Executive Committee included the appointment of Amsha Gengan as Secretary General, while Maryana Yarmolenko Stober and Diruni Chanmugam were elected as new members. Uruguay's Mariella Collazzi, who was elected Treasurer in 2025, also serves on the international leadership team.

During the AGM, WISTA highlighted progress in cooperation with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and the United Nations, along with initiatives focused on training, professional development, and inclusive leadership.

Latin America Strengthens Its Participation

The presence of Latin American representatives was one of the highlights of the international gathering. WISTA Brazil participated with a delegation comprising Noemi Vassdal, Ana Paula da Costa, Fernanda Pierotti, Luciana Suman, Patrícia Winter, Flavia Melo, Fernanda Mattos, Taina Magalhães, and Marcela Lima Rocha. WISTA Uruguay was represented by Alessandra Schewe and Mariella Collazzi, who also serves as Treasurer of WISTA International's Executive Committee.

From Panama, Roxana Ortega, President of WISTA Panama, was announced as a participant in the panel dedicated to connecting ships, ports, and international trade.

"I am very grateful to WISTA International for the opportunity to present the progress made by the Ports Committee and to participate in the panel on port-related issues. In the committee, we shared our initiative concerning the S-100 and S-200 standards, which represent the evolution of navigation from analog systems toward a truly digital environment," Ortega told MundoMaritimo.

Ortega added: "During the panel discussion, I also had the opportunity to address several issues, including the fact that digitalization should not be viewed solely as a technological investment, but rather as a tool to improve the competitiveness, safety, sustainability, and resilience of our supply chains."

Regional participation also underscored the contribution of Latin American maritime professionals to the association's international activities and discussions.

In this regard, Ortega stated: "The participation of Latin American associations in this edition has been valuable and represents significant progress for the region. At the same time, I believe there is still room for even greater participation. I say this as an invitation to become more involved, since these opportunities are available and WISTA International provides very important support to its National WISTA Associations (NWAs)."

According to the President of WISTA Panama, the networking opportunities, access to specialized knowledge, international visibility, and partnerships offered by WISTA International are remarkable assets for the entire industry.

In this context, she emphasized: "The impact we can achieve as women in the maritime and port sector will depend directly on our active participation: attending events, demonstrating our knowledge and experience, applying to serve on committees, sharing experiences, presenting projects, and bringing the voices of our ports and our regional realities to global forums."

Brazil and Türkiye to Host Upcoming Annual General Meetings

Among the decisions adopted during the AGM, it was confirmed that Brazil will host the next WISTA International AGM & Conference in 2027, while Istanbul, Türkiye, was selected to host the 2028 gathering.

Commenting on the announcement, Ortega said: "Brazil's selection as host of the next WISTA International AGM in 2027 demonstrates the confidence that presidents and member associations from around the world have in Brazil's ability to organize an event of this magnitude. An international AGM requires strong organization, logistical coordination, high-level content, and hospitality that creates genuine opportunities for connection. This is precisely what we have seen in the excellent organization of the events in Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, and Malaysia."

She continued by emphasizing that this represents a major opportunity for Latin America, with Brazil taking on the challenge of demonstrating the region's value, capabilities, and potential within the maritime, port, and logistics industries.

"WISTA Panama is very proud that Brazil has taken this step, as it will bring WISTA International's mission and vision closer to more women in our region, strengthen Latin American networks, and showcase to the world the female leadership we are building across the Americas," Ortega stressed.

Technological Transformation and Talent Development

The Kuala Lumpur conference, jointly organized by WISTA Malaysia, WISTA Singapore, and WISTA Hong Kong SAR China, was held under the theme "Bridging Borders, Driving Change: Asia Shaping the Future of Maritime and Trade."

During the opening ceremony, Malaysia's Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, highlighted Asia's strategic role in global maritime trade and the need for continued investment in port infrastructure, connectivity, digitalization, and decarbonization.

He also emphasized the importance of preparing younger generations for the changes associated with artificial intelligence and automation, while expanding opportunities for women to assume leadership positions.

"I believe it is essential to include the energy transition of ports on the international agenda. Larger, more specialized vessels capable of using multiple fuels will require early decisions on infrastructure, shore power electrification, the storage and safe handling of alternative fuels, the strengthening of electrical grids, and the updating of regulatory frameworks. The challenge is not only technical; it is also commercial and financial, because ports and shipping lines must share risks and investments to make green corridors viable," Ortega stated.

Finally, she added: "We must place people development at the center of the conversation. Automation and digitalization will create new opportunities, but they also require careful change management."

The conference concluded with technical visits and activities aimed at facilitating the exchange of experiences among maritime industry professionals.

It is worth noting that MundoMaritimo participated as an international Media Partner of the WISTA International AGM & Conference 2026.

By MundoMaritimo