Honours for Diversity and Inclusion in Maritime 2026
Celebrating Excellence in Equality, Respect, and Inclusion in the Maritime Sector
The WISTA Cyprus Diversity & Inclusion Honours in Maritime 2026 recognise and celebrate organisations, initiatives, and leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the maritime sector. These honours highlight practical actions, innovative approaches, and strong leadership that foster fair, respectful, and inclusive workplaces both at sea and ashore.
Following the example set by WISTA Belgium, WISTA Cyprus, with the support of WISTA International, the European Commission’s Women in Transport – EU Platform, the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and leading maritime stakeholders, is proud to organise the 2026 D&I Honours. This edition recognises maritime actors who have made exceptional contributions to gender balance, diversity, and inclusion in the sector.
The awards will be presented during the Conference ‘Shaping Policy, Driving Change: Equality and Inclusion in the Maritime Sector’, which is organised and hosted by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, in Brussels on 12 May 2026. The conference will bring together leaders, professionals, and advocates from across Europe to celebrate excellence in maritime diversity and inclusion.
Organiser
Endorsed
Supported
Award Categories
Best Improvement in Diversity and Inclusive Maritime Workplace
Recognises an employer in the maritime sector who has demonstrated a consistent commitment to fostering an inclusive and fair working environment in the maritime sector. It highlights efforts that promote equal opportunities, respect, and participation for all employees, both at sea and ashore, through practical policies, workplace culture, and leadership.
Best Initiative for Respect & Wellbeing at Sea
Honours an initiative or organisation that actively promotes respect, dignity, and wellbeing for seafarers. It recognises measures that contribute to a safe and supportive working environment, encourage positive behaviour, and strengthen trust, wellbeing, and safety across maritime workplaces.
Best New Inclusion Initiative
Recognises a recent initiative, or an organisation in the maritime sector, that has demonstrated exceptional leadership through concrete action in favour of diversity and inclusion within the past two years, making a positive impact on the organisation or company.
Nominations are open until 30 April 2026.
Nominations
01.Who can be nominated?
Nominations for the Honours for Diversity and Inclusion in Maritime 2026 are open to all organisations, teams, companies, or individuals from the maritime sector whose work has inspired or positively impacted others in one of the award categories.
02.What are the achievements
that we are honouring?
Each category will have one honour. The most inspiring initiatives and case studies may be published as examples of best practice to encourage wider adoption and further advancement of diversity and inclusion in the maritime sector.
Deadline: Nominations close 30 April 2026.
03.Jury
All nominations will be assessed by a jury of distinguished professionals representing the Cyprus, European, and international maritime community.
Jury Committee:
- Ms Marina Hadjimanolis – Shipping Deputy Minister to the President of the Republic of Cyprus
- Ms Magda Kopczyńska – Director-General for Mobility and Transport, DG MOVE
- Mr Sotiris Raptis – Secretary General, European Shipowners | ECSA
Nominate Now!
