The UNCTAD TrainForTrade Port Management Programme (PMP) supports port communities in developing countries in delivering more efficient and competitive port management services. In order to increase trade flows and foster economic development, the programme creates port networks bringing together public, private and international entities. The aim is to share knowledge and expertise between port operators as well as strengthen talent management and human resources development in port communities. Over the past 25 years the PMP has trained over 12’000 port managers across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean in three language-based networks (English, French and Spanish).

In the framework of the UNCTAD TrainForTrade Port Management Programme (PMP), a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop for the English-speaking network will be held from 20-28 May 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. The workshop is co-organized by Dublin Port Company and hosted with the kind support of Irish Aid.

Dates and working language

Modules 1 to 4 of the Modern Port Management course will be delivered in English, in 2 steps:

1st part: e-Learning (learn.unctad.org)

The first part of the training is a mandatory distance learning session from 31 March to 2 May 2025, covering the content of modules 1 to 4. Candidates will complete the tests during the online sessions in order to qualify for the final certification.

Completing the modules individually and in advance in this blended-learning format ensures thorough knowledge sharing, leaving room for dynamic in person interactions during the gathering in Dublin.

2nd part: Face-to-face workshop in Dublin

The face-to-face session for modules 1 to 4 will be hosted by Dublin Port Company from 20-28 May 2025. During the face-to-face workshop, participants will contribute to the deliveries of the modules alongside experts from the network’s port partners and UNCTAD. Group exercises will also be conducted to stimulate knowledge sharing between the participants. During the same period, a technical port visit and the coordination meeting of the English-speaking network will be held. The Port Endeavor game will also be played by participants with the support of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) as part of the training and capacity building programme.

Objectives

The two main objectives are:

1. To train senior and executive managers from port communities with the knowledge and skills to deliver the "Modern Port Management" course of UNCTAD’s Port Management Programme. At the end of the workshop, the participants will be able to:
   • Assess the current and future role of a commercial port
   • Define the port users’ requirements
   • Master the daily tasks of port management
   • Contribute to the improvement of port efficiency
   • Describe the role and functions of an innovative port that integrates the future needs of port communities
2. To develop a framework for the replication of the training in the port communities of beneficiary countries. At the end of this workshop, the senior manager will have the skills and knowledge to serve as trainers in their own countries; they will be able to use the pedagogical material of the UNCTAD Port Management Programme to replicate the training at the national level for the benefit of middle managers from their own port community.

The sessions will be presented by the participants from the network and the port partners around the final 4 main modules:

1. International Trade and Maritime Transport
2. The Organization of a Port System
3. The Functioning of a Port System
4. Challenges of Sustainable Ports

Side events

Technical visit of the Dublin Port

A dedicated technical visit of the port facilities of Dublin Port will be organised for the members of the port network, providing a comprehensive view of the latest developments in Dublin and its importance to its local economy.

Port Endeavor Game

At the end of the workshop, the Port Endeavor game will be played by the participants with the moderation by the TrainForTrade team and representatives of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH). This dedicated session on UN Sustainable Development Goals in ports is a cheerful and interactive way to complete the week of training.

Coordination Meeting of the Port Management Programme (PMP)

The final day of the face-to-face workshop will host the 2025 coordination meeting relating to the technical assistance provided within the framework of the PMP. This annual meeting allows members of the UNCTAD English-speaking Network the opportunity to exchange good practices and lessons learned, fine-tuning the existing road maps/action plans.

Attendees

The total of 37 port senior managers (13 women) including Chief Executive Officers from 10 countries (Ghana, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Namibia, Nigeria, Philippines, Serbia, Solomon Islands and Tanzania) will join the event. They will be invited to present specific segments related to their expertise within the thematic of modules 1 to 4 of the Modern Port Management course. They will prepare PowerPoint presentations and contribute directly to the delivery of the face-to-face schedule workshop.