International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) Graduation Ceremony

Director David Attard and members of the faculty of the International Maritime Law Institute, graduating students and guests: Today I am very happy to join you in celebrating the commencement of a class of students who will contribute to the realization of a new international order for the oceans. I wish to express my deep gratitude to Director Attard and the faculty who have nurtured this wonderfully talented group of people.

Without healthy oceans, humanity cannot prosper. For over fifty years, The Nippon Foundation has addressed ocean issues out of a profound awareness of the crisis facing the ocean environment, which is so crucial to the survival of humanity. We understand that the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans require the development and observation of a common basis of international law. And so we have committed ourselves particularly to the training of specialists in international maritime law. I believe that all of you will apply the knowledge and experience you have gained at IMLI to the systematic management of our oceans. They are a resource shared by all humanity regardless of nationality or profession.

Today, the challenges associated with management of the oceans under a system of international maritime law/ are diverse and complex. They cannot be resolved only in specific fields or by specific nations. To date, The Nippon Foundation has helped to train over one thousand and five hundred ocean professionals from one hundred and fifty countries. We have also built probably the world’s largest network of ocean research institutes and scientists. The ocean is our mother, but today she is silently crying out. It is my strongest hope that we at The Nippon Foundation can continue to work with all of you to protect her,/so that she will remain in good health for generations to come.

Once again, I congratulate you on your graduation, and I pray for your success in the future. Thank you very much.

＊This video message is available at The Nippon Foundation YouTube.