The United Diplomatic Council (UDC) will host the Online Global Conference on Marine Diplomacy 2026 on 28 July 2026, bringing together an eminent gathering of diplomats, maritime leaders, policymakers, researchers, industry experts and trade professionals from across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and other partner regions.
As global trade and economic prosperity continue to depend on secure and efficient maritime connectivity, the conference will examine the growing role of marine diplomacy in advancing international collaboration, strengthening maritime security, promoting the Blue Economy and creating resilient maritime ecosystems. Discussions will also explore opportunities in port development, logistics, underwater domain awareness, environmental sustainability, digital innovation, skill development and international research collaboration, while encouraging stronger engagement between governments, diplomatic missions, industry, academia and international organisations.
The conference will feature an exceptional panel of internationally recognised speakers representing diplomacy, maritime policy, logistics, trade and technology. The distinguished line-up includes
H.E. Ahmed Adeeb Abdul Gafoor, Former Vice President of the Republic of Maldives;
Dr. Riina Palu, Board Member and former Chair of the Estonian Maritime Cluster;
Dr. A. V. Srinivasan, Chairman of the SCO Trade Council.
Dr. (Cdr) Arnab Das, Founder and Director of the Maritime Research Centre (MRC);
Mr. N. M. Panicker, Chairman of the Maritime India BRICS Trade Council and Founder & Managing Director of Expert United Marine Services (EUMS);
Ms. Shradha Singhania-Goley, Maritime Consultant, Researcher and Author;
Dr. Chung YoungKyu, Chief Executive Officer of TPK Co., Ltd., Republic of Korea;
Mr. Sanjiv Garg, IRTS, Secretary General of The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport – India (CILT India);
Mr. Shaheen Backer, Honorary Trade Commissioner for Qatar, India GCC Trade Council;
Mr. Kayam Thejaa, Founder of Novaliseo;
Together, these distinguished leaders bring decades of experience in maritime governance, international diplomacy, logistics, technology, infrastructure, trade and strategic policymaking, offering participants a comprehensive global perspective on the future of maritime cooperation.
Highlighting the importance of stronger industry collaboration and maritime infrastructure, Mr. N. M. Panicker, Chairman of the Maritime India BRICS Trade Council, emphasised that international partnerships will continue to shape the future of global trade.
“The maritime sector remains the backbone of global commerce. By fostering stronger cooperation in marine engineering, logistics, shipbuilding and port development, nations can create resilient supply chains, enhance connectivity and unlock new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.”
The conference will provide a platform for meaningful dialogue on strengthening international maritime partnerships, encouraging investment in ports and logistics, advancing maritime innovation, promoting sustainable ocean governance and supporting collaborative initiatives that contribute to resilient supply chains and long-term economic development. Bringing together perspectives from diplomacy, government, academia and industry, the forum seeks to translate dialogue into practical cooperation and lasting international partnerships.
Reflecting on the importance of regional integration through maritime connectivity, Dr. A. V. Srinivasan, Chairman of the SCO Trade Council, noted
“Maritime connectivity is fundamental to strengthening regional integration and international trade. Deeper collaboration among nations will accelerate innovation, facilitate investment and build stronger economic partnerships that contribute to long-term prosperity across the global maritime ecosystem.”
Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the United Diplomatic Council, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to creating international platforms that encourage dialogue, strengthen partnerships and advance sustainable global development.
“Marine diplomacy is emerging as one of the defining pillars of international cooperation in the twenty-first century. Through this global platform, we seek to strengthen dialogue, build strategic partnerships and encourage collaborative solutions that promote secure oceans, resilient trade networks and sustainable economic development.”
The United Diplomatic Council’s Online Global Conference on Marine Diplomacy 2026reinforces the Council’s commitment to fostering international dialogue and creating meaningful partnerships that contribute to a secure, sustainable and innovation-driven maritime future. By bringing together leading voices from diplomacy, government, industry and academia, the conference aims to generate practical ideas and collaborative initiatives that will strengthen global maritime cooperation and support the long-term growth of the Blue Economy.
