PLIKA’s First Annual Event at SIL Strengthens Global Connections in Logistics

On the 6th of June 2024, from 17:30 to 19:00, the first annual event of PLIKA – Port Logistics International Knowledge Academy took place at the SIL Conference, representing a major advancement in the logistics and international trade sector. The event, which was held in a hybrid format, offered a platform for introducing the core values of PLIKA, presenting the newly formed committees, and highlighting the Board directors and training centre’s commitment to fostering the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

The event began with a warm welcome and inspiring words from the President, Eduard Rodés, the director of the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, who highlighted PLIKA’s mission and the bright prospects for this community. His address was complemented by supportive messages from Vice President Ana Rumbeu, the director of training at the Valenciaport Foundation, and Vice President Alaa Morsy, Dean at the Port Training Institute and Maritime Research and Consultation Center, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport. Their enthusiasm and dedication were evident, setting an inspiring precedent for the discussions that followed. “Seeing the enthusiasm and commitment of our founding members at this inaugural event fills me with immense pride. PLIKA is not just a network; it is a family united by a shared vision of a brighter future for logistics education and innovation,” commented Eduard Rodés as the festivities ended.

A key highlight of the event was the introduction of PLIKA’s esteemed founding and regular members. These include prominent figures such as Ms. Taheya Elsherbeny (Port Training Institute, AASTMT), Mr. Rami Seeman, Ms. Marta Miquel (Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport), Ms. Valeria Munar (Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport), Mr. Ramon Van Hall (STC Group), and Mr. Pim Oosterhoff (STC Group). Other notable members introduced were Mr. Adam Daoud from Saudi Logistics Academy, Mr. José Antonio Vásquez and Ms. Àngels Vives Serra from ILB, Mr. Jordi Font and Ms. Marisa Clavero from the Lluisa-Cura Institute, Mr. Elwyn Pitt from GMLS, Mr. Rabih Sabra from the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut & Mount Lebanon, Ms. Lidia Slawinska from the Escola Europea – Intermodal Transport, and their dedicated PLIKERS. These individuals and their teams showed their commitment to a brighter future for the sector.

The formation of various committees dedicated to different aspects of logistics and trade was also a significant agenda of the event. These committees—Promotion, Membership, Employment, Innovation, Technological, and Academic—are set to play a crucial role in building this resilient educational collaborative network that aims to revolutionise the industry.

This inaugural event has clearly opened the doors to greater unity and collaboration among diverse participants in the sector. It provided a unique opportunity for attendees to connect, share ideas, and lay the groundwork for a strong, cooperative community. The positive outcomes and hopeful prospects resulting from this initiative have sparked curiosity and anticipation about the future steps of this collaborative educational platform.

Looking ahead, the results and aspirations stemming from this first event are very encouraging. PLIKA aims to become a cornerstone in the educational landscape of logistics and international trade, fostering a community that thrives on shared knowledge and mutual support for growth and improvement.