Women shaping the blue economy in the spotlight at Malta Sustainability Forum 2026

The  Malta Sustainability Forum (MSF) 2026, organised by APS Bank, brought together experts to explore the growing role of women in the blue economy and the opportunities for greater inclusion across Malta’s maritime sectors.

The discussion examined the challenges and possibilities facing women in industries ranging from maritime transport and innovation to the circular use of marine resources, highlighting the importance of diverse leadership in building a more sustainable and resilient future.

Among the keynote speakers was Dr Stephanie Vella, WestMED National Hub Malta, who underscored the country’s vast maritime potential with the striking observation: “We have 12 times more territorial waters than we have land area.” Her address highlighted the strategic importance of Malta’s marine resources and the need to ensure that women play a central role in shaping the future of the blue economy. The session encouraged meaningful dialogue on breaking down barriers while unlocking innovation and sustainable growth across the sector.

Rachael Blackburn, Head of Culture at APS Bank, emphasised that, “The transition towards a more sustainable blue economy is also an opportunity to reflect on who benefits from that progress. Through the Malta Sustainability Forum, we wanted to explore how greater inclusion can help ensure that women are empowered to shape the future of a sector that is so important to Malta.”

Next to Stepanie Vella and Rachael Blackburn you can hear the insights by:

• Dr Claudia Vella Casagrande: Secretary General – Malta International Shipowners’Association
• Ann Fenech: President, Comité Maritime International, partner and Head of Marine Litigation Department Fenech and Fenech Advocates, Co-founder Malta Maritime Forum
• Shannon Weber, Chief Executive Officer and Strategic Director – Numinara
• Dr Alexia Massa Gallucci: Managing Director and Founder – Blue EcoTech Ltd
• Manya Russo: Marine Projects Manager – BirdLife Malta
• Captain Alexia Fenech: President WISTA Malta
• Matthew Swain, Head of Sustainability – APS Bank

Moderator of the panel discussion: Pauline Micallef: Chief Executive Officer – MaritimMT
Hosted by Leanne Bugeja: events manager – APS Bank

The full episode of Women in the Blue Economy is available to watch on YouTube or listen to on Spotify as part of the Malta Sustainability Forum’s commitment to helping audiences learn, engage and act.