Page 44 - Linkline Summer 2017

CILT International Convention-Macao
The 2017 CILT International Convention was held in Macao from the 11th to the 14th June. One of the world’s most famous free ports, Macao is a fascinating blend of industries and cultures. Organised under the theme of ‘Smart Journey, Belt and Road’, the Convention explored the rise of Smart Technology and the ambitious One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative. Macao has become known as the Las Vegas of Asia, with huge investment in infrastructure, hotels and of course casinos.
The first day of the convention comprised of parallel sessions organised by WiLAT (Women in Logistics and Transport) and YP sections (Young Professionals). I attended the WiLAT session which included presentations from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nigeria and China on life stories and the contribution of WiLAT. In many countries in Asia and Africa there can be significant obstacles to women entering and progressing in the workforce. WiLAT has been a major source of inspiration, support and information for these women.
Day two was largely devoted to consideration of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative which is designed to build new transport / logistic corridors linking China to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, SE Asia and Australia through the construction of new rail, road and shipping links. The trade-off for participating countries is the investment in their infrastructure and the development of new economic belts
– as described by Kazakhstan and Pakistan. This is a hugely ambitious project which will transform geopolitical relationships in the region.
The day concluded with an excellent presentation by Sean Culey, FCILT Executive Vice-President of Manucore, on ‘A New Era of Creative Destruction and Exhilarating Innovation is Upon Us’. This 90-minute presentation reviewed the very latest developments in areas such as robotics, automation, payments and driverless technology which was well received by attendees.
Day three was essentially an internal review of CILT with the new International President Kevin Byrne (Ireland).
Report reviews of Vision and Targets, AGM, Vice-Presidents, Trustees, and CILT (International) activities were covered. The day was then officially wrapped up with an invitation to all to attend the 2018 International Convention.
Over 200 delegates attended from 30 countries. Due to the travel distances and costs Irish attendance was limited but it is noteworthy that the next two conferences will be held in Wroclaw, Poland and London. This will give a much better opportunity for us to attend, particularly more YP’s.
Paddy Doherty, President
WiLAT Sri Lanka: Project - Initiative Towards Women Empowerment
WiLAT Sri Lanka recently partnered with Maersk Sri Lanka on the ‘Back to Work Project’ initiative. This is a career transition programme for women who have taken a career break of more than six months and wish to re-enter the professional work space.
WiLAT SL Chairperson Dhashma Karunaratne presenting the WiLAT Annual Report to Maersk Sri Lanka Country Head, Zeeshan Mukhi, along with Secretary Amra Zareer (Left) Vice Chairperson Membership Services, Niroza Gazzali (right).
44 The CharTered InsTITuTe of LogIsTICs & TransporT
CILT INTERNATIONAL