The record class of over 300 graduates brings the overall number of WMU alumni to more than 6,600 from 171 countries. 

‍The latest cohort of the maritime and oceans leaders of tomorrow graduated from the World Maritime University (WMU). The Class of 2025 has received the education required to contribute to maritime and oceans issues in their home countries and more broadly to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The record class of over 300 graduates brings the overall number of WMU alumni to more than 6,600 from 171 countries. 

Generations of WMU alumni 

Welcome remarks were delivered by WMU President, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., who expressed collective gratitude to all donors who support the University. President Mejia reflected on his own experience as a WMU student and on the University’s lasting impact in shaping the way graduates think, work, plan, and interact. He also spoke about the strength of the WMU network—from faculty and staff to visiting lecturers and experts—a network that graduates will continue to rely on for decades to come. He highlighted the generations of WMU alumni who have joined this unique University and emerged as better, stronger, and wiser individuals.

Global network as they face the challenges of today’s world

Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Chancellor of WMU and Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), thanked the City of Malmö and the Government of Sweden for their continued generosity and support in hosting the University, as well as the many donors for their ongoing commitment to WMU. He praised the strong sense of community that WMU fosters, and encouraged the graduates to embrace that global network as they face the challenges of today’s world, and turn them into opportunities. He encouraged them to apply what they have learned to their advantage, being proactive in their work, and sharing with colleagues. “The more you support each other and work together, the more successful you will be,” he said.

 Creating a safer, more eco-friendly, and sustainable maritime world.

On behalf of the City of Malmö, Ms. Carina Nilsson, Mayor and Chairperson of the Malmö City Council, addressed the gathering and expressed the City’s pride in hosting the University. She congratulated the graduates, noting that one of the greatest strengths of WMU is its diversity, with graduates from 171 countries—a quality Malmö shares, with residents representing 186 nations—making it a fitting home for WMU. She emphasized that diversity creates opportunities to build relationships, share experiences, and learn from one another, fostering greater understanding and serving as a foundation for peace in the world. She added that the work the graduates will undertake will be instrumental in creating a safer, more eco-friendly, and sustainable maritime world.

In addition to the annual performance by the WMU Choir, the audience had the pleasure of hearing a solo rendition of “Time to say goodbye” by Mr Alexander Melifonwu of Nigeria, which received a standing ovation.

The 2025 graduation ceremony brings the total number of WMU graduates to over 6,600 from 171 countries and territories.

AWARDS PRESENTED AT THE CEREMONY

Doctor of Science honoris causa

Mr Mitsuyuki Unno, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation, and member of WMU’s Executive Board from 2016 until 2024. Mr Unno has been closely associated with the University for many years. He has promoted WMU in the widest possible arena, and has led the support for the University’s involvement in oceans affairs. 

Her Excellency Ambassador Marie Jacobsson, was the Principal Legal Adviser on International Law and Ambassador at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Stockholm until her retirement on 1 June 2023. Dr Jacobsson’s work focuses on international peace and security matters, and she has extensive experience of high-level multilateral and bilateral negotiations on the law of the sea, polar law, international environmental law, boundary delimitation, regional security affairs, international humanitarian law and arms control.

Professor Takeshi Nakazawa first joined WMU as an Associate Professor in 1997, when he was released by Kobe University for a two-year period. He returned to Kobe in due course, but then re-joined WMU in 2003 as a full professor and Head of the MET Specialization. He had significant input into WMU’s work across all areas of activity. From 2012, he transitioned into a new role as part-time Professor, and continued to contribute significantly to teaching and student supervision.

Vice-Admiral (rtd) Awwad Eid Al-Aradi Al-Balawi, formerly Director General of the Saudi Arabian Border Guards and a member of the Consultative Assembly of Saudi Arabia (the Shura Council) since 2024. Vice-Admiral Al-Aradi has had a long and distinguished career in the service of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He spent almost five decades as an officer of the Saudi Border Guard, concluding with spending six years as its Director-General, until his retirement in 2020. He graduated from WMU with a Master of Science in General Maritime Administration in 1988.

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WMU Graduation Ceremony 2025 ,Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr..Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Ms. Carina Nilsson, 300 graduates