THE ocean is far more than a highway for commerce. It is a life force – feeding billions, regulating our climate, and sustaining biodiversity. It is also a source of jobs, oppor­tunity, and hope for millions of people, according to the remarks given by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

It is true that oceans around the world have long served as reliable routes for commerce between countries. Maritime trade has been promoting international exchange for many years, even before the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama’s voyage in 1498. Through this trade, cultural exchanges have spread from one country to another, helping to improve the socioeconomic lives of people in all societies.

The United Nations stated that this year’s World Maritime Day theme — “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” — highlights the essential role the ocean plays in sustaining life, livelihoods, and the global economy. It provides half of the oxygen we breathe, feeds billions of people, regulates the climate, and facilitates more than 80 per cent of global trade through maritime trans­port. The ocean is also home to countless marine species and serves as a vital source of jobs, food, and economic opportunities for millions.

As ocean-based trans­portation develops, it creates employment opportunities for young people striving to im­prove their livelihoods. Mar­itime transport also boosts tourism and various indus­tries, including the fisheries sector, generating income for the countries involved. As a result, the profession of mar­itime transport has had a re­markable impact on the global community.

As the largest sector op­erating in ocean spaces, the shipping industry plays a cru­cial role in facilitating global commerce and promoting ocean protection. It works closely with sectors such as tourism, fisheries, and marine research to manage the ocean sustainably. Through its robust global regulatory framework and extensive technical assistance programs for its 176 Member States, the In­ternational Maritime Organization (IMO) continues to lead efforts toward cleaner and safer seas.

In Myanmar, the government promotes the development of maritime transport by training mercantile cadets, engineering ca­dets, and other technical specialists through relevant institutions, alongside graduates in marine studies year by year. Myanmar’s youth can envision a promising future in the maritime profession, where success depends on their ability to apply advanced tech­nologies in shipping operations. Despite the challenges and risks inherent in the field, Myanmar’s young professionals navigate the oceans daily, striving for a brighter future with each voyage, keeping abreast of those from other countries.