The World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP) is now supported by a four-strong team of professionals who will work with the IAPH working groups, partner organisations, and ports, to promote its aims and manage and administer the projects and supporting website and knowledge bank.
Antwerp, 7th September 2018
Following the approval by its Board during the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) Conference in Baku in May, Managing Director Patrick Verhoeven has now put in place a team to implement the World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP). Guided by the 17 UN Strategic Development Goals, the program wants to enhance and coordinate future sustainability efforts of ports worldwide and foster international cooperation with partners in the supply chain.
Patrick comments : "with the strategy package approved and the support team in place, our next aim is to implement a work program which will contain fifteen leadership issues to be developed over the period 2018-2022. We will focus on where we can add most value to our member ports together with our partners."
Introducing the team
Dr. Patrick Verhoeven is the Managing Director for Policy and Strategy and one of his primary objectives is to advocate and drive the aims of WPSP on behalf of IAPH members. He also fosters partnerships with other organisations to develop and expand the programme.
Email: patrick.verhoeven@iaphworldports.org
He is supported by Dr. Antonis Michail, who is responsible for the technical content of the programme and who is active in the co-ordination of the IAPH technical working groups as well as participating in all IAPH projects and initiatives.
Email: antonis.michail@sustainableworldports.org
Fabienne Van Loo is the administrative and financial manager of WPSP projects, who will prepare and coordinate project and partner meetings and seminars, as well as other events. She will also be responsible for publications promoting the programme, including the annual World Ports Sustainability Report, the first of which is scheduled to be published in September 2019.
Email: fabienne.vanloo@sustainableworldports.org
Victor Shieh will focus on externally communicating WPSP’s activities and ensuring its profile is raised internationally in the line with IAPH's vision to be the "Global Ports Forum" for industry collaboration and excellence.
Email: victor.shieh@sustainableworldports.org
About the World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP)
On 12 May 2017 the International Association of Ports and Harbors decided to set up a World Ports Sustainability Program. Guided by the 17 UN SDGs the program wants to enhance and coordinate future sustainability efforts of ports worldwide and foster international cooperation with partners in the supply chain. The World Ports Sustainability Program builds on the World Ports Climate Initiative that IAPH started in 2008 and extends it to other areas of sustainable development based on five main themes : resilient infrastructure, climate and energy, safety and security, community outreach and port-city dialogue, governance and ethics. It was launched by the IAPH and founding partners in March 2018 in Antwerp.