Resolution A.1130(30)

Adopted on 4 December 2017

(Agenda item 17)

 

CHARTER OF THE WORLD MARITIME UNIVERSITY

 

THE ASSEMBLY,

 

RECALLING resolution A.501(XII) of 20 November 1981, by which it requested the Secretary-General to take all necessary action for the establishment of the World Maritime University,

 

RECALLING ALSO that the Charter of the World Maritime University first took effect on 1 May 1983,

 

RECALLING FURTHER resolution A.1030(26) of 26 November 2009, which revised the provisions of the Charter,

 

BEING COGNIZANT of developments in the fields of research, scholarship, education and sustainable development, particularly with respect to ocean-related matters, since the adoption of the Charter,

 

BEING AWARE that a comprehensive review was conducted in 2016 and 2017 to ensure a common understanding of the Charter provisions; to implement the strategies identified in the Study on the financial sustainability of the University; and to enable it to function both as an academic and higher education institution and as a financially sustainable business venture generating a surplus of revenue over expenses which could be used for pursuing its objectives and purposes for the wider public benefit, and for serving the needs of the University for years ahead without any need to adopt further amendments,

 

ALSO BEING AWARE that the University's Executive Board established a working group to make proposals for the revision of the Charter, as recommended by the University's Board of Governors,

 

NOTING that the Council, at its 118th session, considered and approved the amendments proposed to the Charter by the University's Board of Governors and recommended the Charter as amended to this session of the Assembly for its adoption,

 

HAVING CONSIDERED the recommendations of the Council at its 118th session,

 

1            ADOPTS the revised Charter of the World Maritime University, as set out in the annex;

 

2            DECIDES that the provisions of the Charter, as revised, will take effect on 1 January 2018;

 

3            REVOKES resolution A.1030(26) as of the effective date of the revised Charter.

 

Annex

 

CHARTER OF THE WORLD MARITIME UNIVERSITY

 

Preamble

 

The WORLD MARITIME UNIVERSITY was founded on 1 May 1983¹ in recognition of the vital need to establish an international centre of excellence for the advancement of maritime education, research and study, including capacity-building, in particular for developing countries.

____________________

¹     The first Charter was adopted by IMO Assembly resolution A.501(XII) on 20 November 1981.

 

In order to meet the needs of a dynamic maritime sector, the World Maritime University has expanded the scope of its educational and research programmes to encompass ocean studies, external programmes and distance learning, including e-learning, and is cooperating with academic institutions and other partners in furthering the objectives of the University.

 

 I          Definitions

 

Article 1

 

In this Charter:

 

"Academic Council" means the Academic Council of the University.

 

"Board of Governors" means the Board of Governors of the University.

 

"Chancellor" means the Chancellor of the University.

 

"Convention" means the Convention on the International Maritime Organization.

 

"Council" and "Assembly" mean the Council and the Assembly of the Organization, respectively.

 

"Executive Board" means the Executive Board of the University.

 

"Organization" means the International Maritime Organization.

 

"President" means the President of the University.

 

"Secretary-General" means the Secretary-General of the Organization.

 

"Statutes" means the Statutes of the University.

 

"University" means the World Maritime University.

 

"Vice-President" means a Vice-President of the University.

 

 II        Objectives and functions

 

Article 2

 

(a)     The University shall be the lead international postgraduate education and research institution and a centre of excellence for the promotion and advancement of shipping and related fields, including the improvement of maritime safety and security, the protection of the marine environment, the efficiency of international shipping and other marine and related ocean issues, in furtherance of the purposes and objectives of the United Nations system and, in particular, of the Organization as a specialized agency of the United Nations.

 

(b)     It shall be a fundamental objective of the University to provide the international maritime community, and in particular developing countries, with a centre for advanced maritime and ocean education, research, scholarship and capacity-building and an effective means for the sharing and transfer of technology from developed to developing maritime countries, with a view to promoting the achievement, globally, of the highest practicable standards in matters concerning maritime safety and security, efficiency of international shipping, the prevention and control of marine pollution, including air pollution from ships, and other marine and related ocean issues.

 

Article 3

 

(a)     The University is established within the framework of the Organization. Within that framework, it shall enjoy:

 

(i)           academic freedom;

 

(ii)          freedom to deal with matters of a financial nature;

 

(iii)          freedom to select persons and institutions to share in its tasks; and

 

(iv)         freedom to compose its student body.

 

(b)     The University and all who are directly associated with it shall act in accordance with the spirit and provisions of the Convention and with the relevant provisions and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, as well as with this Charter.

 

Article 4

 

To achieve its objectives, the University shall:

 

(a)     provide countries, and in particular developing countries, with the most modern and up-to-date facilities for postgraduate education, research, professional development and capacity-building in shipping and other marine and related ocean activities;

 

(b)     establish and provide a forum for internationally recognized experts in all major aspects of shipping and related ocean issues, including visiting professors, lecturers, consultants and others, with a view to promoting the University as a centre of excellence;

 

(c)     promote the development of a uniform international system for the education and training of experts in shipping and other marine and related ocean fields as a means of facilitating and promoting international cooperation in these fields;

 

(d)     provide technical cooperation and assistance for the promotion of a uniform application of the conventions and other regulations and standards of the Organization; and

 

(e)     take into account other conventions and technical regulations and standards of relevance to shipping and related ocean issues.

 

Article 5

 

In furtherance of the objectives of this Charter, the University shall have the power to:

 

(a)     prescribe the requirements for entry into the University, the conditions for admission to any degree or non-degree programme, and the conditions for successful completion of such programmes;

 

(b)     establish and teach such programmes and such subjects as may be deemed suitable;

 

(c)     provide for the advancement and dissemination of knowledge in such manner as may be determined, including participation in research and scholarship;

 

(d)     grant and confer, under conditions laid down for that purpose, degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions to and on persons who shall have successfully completed programmes established by the University in accordance with relevant Statutes; and to revoke any such degrees, diplomas, certificates or other academic distinctions for reasons the University shall deem to be good cause;

 

(e)     prescribe disciplinary provisions governing the students of the University;

 

(f)      cooperate with other universities or institutions in the development and delivery of joint programmes, the conduct of examinations, the award of degrees and diplomas and the issuance of certificates;

 

(g)     confer honorary degrees and other distinctions;

 

(h)     institute professorships, lectureships and any other offices of any kind, whether academic or not, as may be required by the University;

 

(i)      appoint persons to and remove them from such offices and prescribe their conditions of service;

 

(j)      recognize the results of the examination and periods of study successfully completed by students of the University at other universities or institutions of learning as equivalent to such examinations and periods of study in the University as may be determined, and withdraw such recognition at any time;

 

(k)     provide for the printing and publication of material which may be issued under the imprimatur of the University;

 

(l)      publish an annual report on its activities;

 

(m)    provide for research and advisory services;

 

(n)     institute and award fellowships, scholarships, internships, bursaries and prizes;

 

(o)     provide for and administer places of residence for students of the University;

 

(p)     maintain, manage, deal with, dispose of and invest the property, money, assets and rights of the University;

 

(q)     enter into engagements and accept obligations and liabilities;

 

(r)      act as trustees or managers for any property, legacy, endowment, bequest or gift for purposes in furtherance of the work and welfare of the University, and invest any funds representing such property, legacy, endowment, bequest or gift, if not immediately required, on such security as the President may deem fit, in accordance with the provisions of the Statutes;

 

(s)      establish, maintain and supervise, as necessary, institutes, foundations and centres for studies and research;

 

(t)      provide for the establishment and payment of fees for the educational, training, research and advisory services of the University; and

 

(u)     with reference to Article 2, do everything, incidental or not to the aforementioned powers, that may be required in order to further the objectives of the University as a place of education, learning, research and the advancement of knowledge.

 

Article 6

 

No distinction, exclusion or preference shall be made on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, political or other opinion, national extraction or social origin, language, economic condition of birth, sexual orientation, disability, migrant status, or HIV and AIDS status, nor shall any other requirement be imposed by the University upon any person.

 

Article 7

 

There shall be equality of opportunity and treatment in access to employment and in terms and conditions of employment, including equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value. Men and women shall be equally eligible for any office or appointment in the University and for membership of any of its constituent bodies and all degrees and courses of study in the University shall be open to both men and women.

 

 III       Organizational framework

 

Article 8

 

The University shall consist of a Chancellor, a Board of Governors, an Executive Board, a President, Vice-President(s), an Academic Council and such other personnel of the University as may be appointed in accordance with this Charter.

 

 IV       The Chancellor

 

Article 9

 

The Secretary-General shall be the ex officio Chancellor.

 

Article 10

 

The Chancellor shall preside over the Board of Governors and perform such other functions as specified in this Charter or in the Statutes or in the Regulations and Rules of the University.

 

 V        The Board of Governors

 

Article 11

 

(a)     Members of the Board of Governors shall be appointed by the Secretary-General.

 

 

(b)     The Board of Governors shall be composed of up to 30 members and ex officio members in accordance with (c) below.

 

(c)     The Board of Governors shall be established on a broad geographical basis and should include persons from developing countries and persons with expertise in maritime and oceans matters as well as finance, fund-raising and academic development. Members of the Board may be drawn from educational and research institutions, maritime industries and departments of governments. All members shall serve in a personal capacity, except as otherwise provided for in this Charter.

 

Article 12

 

(a)     The Chair of the Executive Board and the President shall attend the meetings of the Board of Governors on an ex officio basis, without the right to vote.

 

(b)     A person appointed by the Secretary-General to represent the Organization on the Board of Governors, a representative of the Government of Sweden, and a representative of the City of Malmц shall be invited to serve as ex officio members of the Board of Governors. The term of office of such ex officio members shall be determined by those who appoint them.

 

(c)     A representative of the University's personnel and a representative of the Student Council may attend meetings of the Board of Governors as observers. The Board of Governors may determine that a particular matter under discussion is of a confidential nature, in which case, those representatives shall not be in attendance.

 

(d)     The Board of Governors may invite others to attend its meetings as observers under the same conditions as provided for in (c) above.

 

Article 13

 

(a)     The terms of office of appointed members of the Board of Governors shall be three years. Members who demonstrate active contribution to the work of the Board of Governors may be invited to serve for up to three consecutive terms.

 

(b)     Serving members of the Board of Governors as at its 35th session who demonstrate active contribution to the work of the Board of Governors may be reappointed for up to two further consecutive terms.

 

Article 14

 

The Board of Governors, in addition to performing such other functions as specified in this Charter or in the University's Statutes, Financial and Staff Regulations and Rules, shall:

 

(a)     exercise due governance of the University;

 

(b)     ensure the effectiveness and continuity of its operations;

 

(c)     protect the autonomous nature of the University within the framework of the Organization; and

 

(d)     ensure the maintenance of the highest academic and professional standards.

 

Article 15

 

The Board of Governors shall:

 

(a)     adopt Statutes, including Financial and Staff Regulations and Rules, strategic directions and such other plans for the University;

 

(b)     consider and adopt the work programme and the budget estimates of the University;

 

(c)     decide upon the establishment or incorporation of postgraduate education programmes of the University, and adopt the necessary standards for the operation and further development of such programmes;

 

(d)     consider the reports provided for in this Charter on the activities of the University and of the Executive Board;

 

(e)     submit to the Council such recommendations as it may deem necessary or desirable for the effective functioning of the University;

 

(f)      report to the Council on the work of the University;

 

(g)     elect a Vice-Chair, who shall preside in the absence of the Chancellor;

 

(h)     adopt Rules of Procedure, including procedures for convening special sessions as necessary;

 

(i)      establish such subsidiary bodies as it deems necessary; and

 

(j)      issue such directives and approve such measures within the framework of this Charter as may be necessary for the operation of the University and its administration.

 

Article 16

 

The Board of Governors shall meet in regular session at least once a year but may meet more frequently if necessary and shall be convened by the President at the direction of the Chancellor. A special session may be convened by the Chancellor if circumstances so require. Meetings shall normally take place in Malmц.

 

 VI       The Executive Board

 

Article 17

 

(a)     The Executive Board shall consist of up to eleven members, including:

 

(i)      the Chair as appointed pursuant to Article 18;

 

(ii)      up to eight members appointed by the Board of Governors, on the recommendation of the Secretary-General, for a term of two years; and

 

(iii)     an ex officio member appointed by the Secretary-General to represent the Organization on the Executive Board and an ex officio member appointed by the Government of Sweden. The term of office of such ex officio members shall be determined by those who appoint them.

 

(b)     No more than two members of the Board of Governors, other than the ex officio members, may also be members of the Executive Board.

 

(c)     The Secretary-General and the President shall have the right to attend meetings of the Executive Board on an ex officio basis, without the right to vote.

 

(d)     A representative of the University's personnel and a representative of the Student Council may attend meetings of the Executive Board as observers. The Executive Board may determine that a particular matter under discussion is of a confidential nature, in which case, those representatives shall not be in attendance.

 

(e)     The Executive Board may invite other persons to attend its meetings as observers.

 

Article 18

 

(a)     The Secretary-General shall appoint the Chair of the Executive Board for an initial term of office of four years.

 

(b)     The Chair may be reappointed by the Secretary-General for another four-year term of office.

 

(c)     The Secretary-General may terminate the appointment of the Chair of the Executive Board if it is considered to be in the best interest of the University.

 

Article 19

 

Members of the Executive Board appointed by the Board of Governors who demonstrate active contribution to its work shall be eligible for reappointment by the Board of Governors for up to three further consecutive two-year terms of office.

 

Article 20

 

The Executive Board shall, in addition to performing such other functions specified in this Charter or in Statutes or in the University's Regulations and Rules, facilitate the work of the University as may be necessary, provide oversight of the University between sessions of the Board of Governors, and:

 

(a)     monitor the implementation of the decisions of the Board of Governors and give directions and guidance as necessary;

 

(b)     consider the draft work programme and the budget estimates of the University prepared by the President in accordance with Article 23, paragraph (b) (i) and establish and submit to the Board of Governors the work programme and budget estimates of the University, having regard to the general interest and priorities of the University;

 

(c)     report to the Board of Governors at each regular session on the work and decisions of the Executive Board since the previous regular session of the Board of Governors;

 

(d)     submit to the Board of Governors audited accounts and financial statements of the University, together with the Executive Board's comments and recommendations;

 

(e)     coordinate the governance of the University, in particular between sessions of the Board of Governors, make such adjustments in the adopted work programme and budget estimates of the University, and make such other decisions, otherwise requiring a decision of the Board of Governors, as are strictly necessary to ensure the efficient functioning of the University; any decisions so taken shall be reported to the next session of the Board of Governors;

 

(f)      submit to the Board of Governors such recommendations as it may deem necessary or desirable for the effective functioning of the University, including recommendations in relation to the fees to be levied by the University;

 

(g)     carry out functions of the Board of Governors and studies or other preparatory work for consideration by the Board of Governors as the Board of Governors may determine;

 

(h)     adopt Rules of Procedure, including procedures for convening special sessions as necessary;

 

(i)      elect a Vice-Chair who shall preside in the absence of the Chair; and

 

(j)      establish such subsidiary bodies as it deems necessary.

 

Article 21

 

The Executive Board shall meet at least three times a year. Meetings shall normally take place in Malmц.

 

 VII     The President

 

Article 22

 

(a)     The President of the University shall be appointed by the Secretary-General for an initial term of four years. The President shall be eligible for reappointment. The conditions of service of the President, including termination, shall be contained in a Service Agreement approved by the Board of Governors.

 

(b)     The Board of Governors, on the recommendation of the Chancellor, may terminate the President's appointment before it has expired for failure to properly execute the duties of the office or otherwise in the best interests of the University. Pending consideration of the matter by the Board of Governors, the Secretary-General may, if it is in the best interests of the University, suspend the President and designate an Acting President.

 

(c)     Should the post of President becomes vacant for whatever reason, the Secretary-General shall appoint an Acting President.

 

Article 23

 

(a)     Under the overall supervision, control and direction of the Board of Governors, the Executive Board and the Secretary-General, as appropriate, the President shall direct and administer the University, in accordance with the University's Statutes, Regulations and Rules, strategic directions and plans.

 

(b)     The President shall:

 

(i)      submit the draft work programme and the budget estimates of the University to the Executive Board for consideration;

 

(ii)      direct the activities connected with the execution of teaching programmes of the University and authorize expenditure of funds provided for in the approved budget estimates;

 

(iii)     in consultation with the Chancellor, recommend to the Executive Board such advisory bodies as may be deemed necessary;

 

(iv)     in consultation with the Chancellor:

 

a.       recommend to the Board of Governors, through the Executive Board, agreements, contracts or arrangements with Governments, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental international or national organizations or legal entities with a view to offering and receiving services related to the activities of the University for matters other than the educational, training, research or advisory services offered by the University; and

 

b.       conclude agreements, contracts or arrangements with Governments, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental international or national organizations, universities, institutions or legal entities with a view to providing them with the educational, training, research or advisory services offered by the