International Maritime Organization (IMO)

https://www.imo.org
WISTA was granted consultative status with the IMO in 2018, enabling the association to formally contribute to discussions on maritime capacity building, gender equality, and the empowerment of women in the industry. This status allows WISTA to participate in IMO’s Technical Cooperation Committee projects and others, influencing policies that promote diversity and inclusion across the maritime sector.

WISTA and the IMO have collaborated on a range of impactful initiatives, including the Maritime Speakers Bureau, the Maritime Women’s Leadership and Empowerment Training Course, the Leadership Accelerator Programme (LEAP), and the Women in Maritime Survey, which gathers insights on women working across the global maritime industry. By providing data-driven benchmarking, the survey helps guide the development of policies and initiatives that strengthen and diversify the maritime workforce.

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

https://unctad.org
Granted Observer Status with UNCTAD in 2023, WISTA participates in public intergovernmental meetings organised by the Association and programs such as TrainforTrade for Ports – and contributes to the yearly Review of Maritime Transport.

Women in Transport (Europe)

https://www.womenintransport.com/
WISTA collaborates with Women in Transport to share best practices, foster cross-sector mentorship, and promote gender equality across all modes of transport.

World Maritime University (WMU)

https://www.wmu.se
Partnering with WMU, WISTA supports education, research, and training programs that equip women in maritime with the skills needed for leadership and innovation.  In 2025, WISTA sponsored 2 students in the inaugural IMO-WMU-WISTA Maritime Women’s Leadership and Empowerment training course taking place at the University and remotely.

UN Global Compact – Maritime Just Transition Task Force

https://www.mjttf.org
Through the UN Global Compact, WISTA aligns its initiatives with international standards for responsible business, sustainability, and human rights, strengthening its contribution to a fairer and more sustainable maritime industry.  https://www.mjttf.org/Reports-and-Resources

BIMCO

https://www.bimco.org
In 2025, WISTA International and BIMCO signed an MOU to explore opportunities for collaboration.  Focus areas include research and development, information sharing, joint training and education, and addressing shared industry challenges.

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)

https://www.ics-shipping.org
WISTA works closely with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) on matters related to the maritime workforce and training. This collaboration includes active participation in ICS’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Panel, where WISTA contributes its expertise and perspective to advance initiatives that foster a more inclusive, skilled, and equitable global maritime industry.

Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS)

https://www.ics.org.uk
WISTA has a long-standing partnership with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), offering scholarships annually for the Foundation Diploma programme to nominated individuals.  It is suitable for those with maritime experience who are interested in gaining practical and commercial skills and knowledge.