Partnering to fight corruption through education

A new partnership between Maersk Line and the World Maritime University will provide anti-corruption training to maritime officials from around the world.

Every year maritime government officials from across the world travel to Malmo, Sweden, to enroll at the World Maritime University (WMU). The WMU was founded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1983 and holds a unique position as the only institution focused entirely on maritime education, research and capacity building. One thing has been missing from the curriculum, however, and through a donation and partnership with Maersk Line, courses on corruption awareness and business integrity will now be mandatory for all students.

Announcing the partnership also marked the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9th. The project, titled CORA, has been long underway, explains Kristin Berglund, Senior Legal Advisor in Maersk Line. With approvals now in place from both WMU as well as Maersk Line management, detailed planning can commence, and students will be exposed to the new modules from the second half of 2016.

Maersk Line will support in developing the course material, as well as provide training for instructors, including visiting Maersk vessels to observe the environment captains and government officials around the world must navigate. Anti-corruption will be integrated in WMU's regular curriculum and include corruption awareness, leadership, change and communication, and understanding the psychology of corruption.

While anti-corruption elements are mandatory for all students, they will also have the option of choosing anti-corruption as their final project, aimed at resolving a practical issue in their home base. Should they do so, Maersk Line will offer a mentorship for those students, where relevant and if requested.

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