The Conference 2023

THE CONFERENCE

We are delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the inaugural ESG Shipping Awards 2023 -THE CONFERENCE held on Friday 20 October at the Grand Hyatt in Athens.

The ESG Shipping Awards 2023 – THE CONFERENCE, the sequel of the awards ceremony held last May, organized by Helena Athoussaki and Katerina Stathopoulou brought together more than 40 industry experts from the shipping companies to share insights, exchange ideas, and explain what led them to their award-winning achievements.

The event with over 450 attendees, provided a platform for insightful discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities.

“As we gather here for this ESG shipping conference, it is imperative to highlight three fundamental principles that underpin our panel discussions and presentations: Inclusiveness, Transparency and Engagement” emphasized the organizers at the event opening.

THE CONFERNCE kicked off with the opening remarks of Mr. Koutoulakis, Secretary General of Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy.
“The Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, along with the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping are supporting the ESG Shipping Awards, in order to encourage and promote the shipping industry’s effort to incorporate sustainability as a critical and fundamental part of its strategy.”

Dr George Pateras, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping (HCS) stressed the importance of the ESG reporting and announced the HCS guide to ESG reporting.

Mrs. Julia Tsetis the President of the UN Global Compact Network Greece, highlighted “We have developed a series of initiatives that help hipping companies to progress towards their sustainability goals by providing information, education, open dialogues and actions.”

Attendees had the privilege to listen to inspiring speeches from seven informative panels led by recognized experts in the field. The event fostered a collaborative environment where industry professionals shared their companies’ best practices, challenges, opportunities and the pressing ESG issues facing the industry.

Throughout this conference, a wide range of topics were discussed, including decarbonization, circular economy, health and safety culture, people wellbeing and development, social responsibility initiatives and the integration of ESG into corporate governance structures.

“This conference is another global statement about Greek shipping and its ecosystem, proving it can innovate, adapt and lead, especially when it concerns people, the environment and society” as Mr. Koutoulakis emphasized.

The conference also introduced ESG Alerts and Point of View sessions with experts diving into the latest ESG trends, regulations, and the future of ESG reporting in the shipping industry.

ON STAGE

At the closing of THE CONFERENCE, the organizers announced the ESG Shipping Awards 2024 INTERNATIONAL on 20 May 2024 in Athens. “Let us remember that the journey towards sustainable and responsible shipping practices does not end here. It is a continuous effort that requires collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment from all stakeholders.”

The chairman of the judging committee, Jan Fransen in his motivational speech asked companies to make the step and submit nominations for 2024. “Together, we can move our planet forward – we can create a more sustainable, responsible, and prosperous future for the shipping industry” was the closing statement.

The person responsible for the organization of the event was Ms. Stelina Markoulaki and for the production was Ms. Katerina Vasilaki.