Dr Ian Borg currently serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health. A lawyer by profession, he has served in Cabinet since 2013, holding a number of senior ministerial portfolios. In 2024, he also served as Chair-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), leading Malta’s international diplomatic efforts.

Mr. Dominguez assumes his role as tenth IMO Secretary-General, bringing with him more than three decades of experience serving the global maritime sector, across a spectrum of leadership roles of increasing scope and responsibility.
Initially representing his native Panama, first within the Panama Maritime Authority and in his lattermost appointment as Ambassador of Panama to IMO, his affinity for building consensus saw him elected by his peers as Chair of several flagship IMO intergovernmental meetings, including: the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), the Technical Committee of the 29th Assembly, and the Maritime Security, Piracy and Armed Robbery Group, as well as a number of Vice-Chair and Board member roles.
A naval architect at heart and by training, Mr. Dominguez gained his first degree at Veracruzana University, Mexico. Recognising from the outset of his career the importance of a multi-disciplinary and multi-sectorial approach to the maritime sector, Mr. Dominguez later went on to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Hull, as well as an executive qualification in International Law and European Politics at Birkbeck University, both in the United Kingdom.
This agile approach served him well in better understanding the priorities and navigating the needs of the different stakeholders across the maritime sector, and indeed the complexities of a specialized UN agency whose mission it is to support them. In 2017 Mr. Dominguez harnessed this extensive technical and diplomatic knowledge and experience as a delegate for the benefit of IMO. He joined the Organization, first as Chief of Staff, followed by Administrative Director - leading the Organization through the COVID-19 pandemic. Directly prior to his election in July 2023 as Secretary-General, he was the Director of the Marine Environment Division.
His initial term as IMO Secretary-General, approved at the 33rd Assembly in December 2023, will be for a period of four years from 2024 to 2027.

Maltese lawyer and politician currently serving as the Minister for Sustainable Mobility, having been in charge for the Transport sector since January 2024. Elected first to Parliament after contesting the 2022 general election and successfully reelected as an MP in the 2026 general election. Initially appointed as Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds before assuming the current ministerial role.

A graduate of the University of Malta (Doctor of Laws, 2007) and De Montfort University, Leicester (LL.M. in Sports Law, 2014), combining a strong legal background with extensive experience in public administration, maritime, aviation, infrastructure, land transport, sports governance and industry and European affairs.

Prior to parliamentary career, worked as a lawye and also served as Vice President and Head of the Legal and Football Governance Department of the Malta Football Association (MFA), establishing and leading the Association’s Legal Department. Subsequently worked for UEFA in its disciplinary and integrity departments.

Contributed to several national policy and governance initiatives and legislstion, particularly in the creation of Malta-in-Motion, enhanced public transport by sea, and the construction of major infrastructural projects, such as the Msida Creek Prior to that was responsible for the modernisation of Maltese football, being responsible for its transition from an amateur sport to an actual industry.

From 2007 to 2012, served as Mayor of Gzira.

Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Futaisi is an engineer, entrepreneur, investor, and former Minister of Transport and Communications of the Sultanate of Oman, where he served

from 2011 to 2020. During his tenure, he led one of the country's most ambitious infrastructure transformation programs, overseeing the development of world-class

airports, highways, ports, logistics networks, and digital infrastructure. Under his leadership, Oman significantly strengthened its global competitiveness in transport and

logistics while establishing landmark institutions including ASYAD Group and Oman Aviation Group.

Prior to his public service, Dr. Al Futaisi was an Associate Professor at Sultan Qaboos University, where he taught Civil and Environmental Engineering, supervised

postgraduate research, and published extensively in internationally recognized journals. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California,

Berkeley, an M.Sc. from Cornell University, and a B.Sc. from Sultan Qaboos University. Today, Dr. Al Futaisi is Chairman and founder of a diversified group of companies

operating in engineering, laboratory testing, mining, environmental services, calibration, inspection, and industrial technologies. Through these ventures, he continues to

contribute to major infrastructure, energy, mining, and industrial projects across the region while promoting innovation, quality, and sustainable development.

Recognized for his ability to bridge academia, government, and business, Dr. Al Futaisi brings a unique perspective on leadership, infrastructure development, economic

diversification, logistics, industrial growth, and the role of technology in shaping future economies. His experience spans more than three decades across research, public

policy, executive leadership, and entrepreneurship, making him a sought-after speaker at international conferences and industry forums.

Hon. Ivan Castillo MP is Malta’s Opposition Shadow Minister for Sustainable Mobility and served for more than five years as Shadow Minister for the Maritime Sector. A Member of the Maltese Parliament since 2022, he has been actively engaged in shaping policy on shipping, ports, logistics, maritime competitiveness and sustainable transport. Through close collaboration with industry stakeholders, he has contributed to discussions on the EU ETS, maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, workforce development and regulatory reform. Hon. Castillo regularly represents the Opposition at national and international maritime conferences and is committed to promoting practical, evidence-based policies that strengthen Malta’s position as a leading maritime nation while supporting a competitive and sustainable maritime industry.

Paris Andrianopoulos is an economist and maritime expert with over two decades of experience in ship management. After studying Economics at the University of Athens in Greece, he went on to earn an MBA from the University of Cumbria in the UK, strengthening his expertise in business and operational leadership.
Paris began his career in 2003 at a traditional Greek ship management company, where he quickly became a pivotal figure in the maritime industry. He is renowned for developing advanced crew management practices and preventive HSQE inspection protocols, with a particular focus on improving operational efficiency and optimizing OPEX.
In 2019, Paris took on the role of Director of the Greek office for ECM Maritime Services, a position he held until 2023, when ECM merged with Gallagher Marine Systems. Concurrently, he was appointed Managing Director at Thalpis, a role he continues to hold today. Under his leadership, Thalpis transformed into a multinational crewing company with a significant presence in key seafaring countries.
In his free time, Paris enjoys spending quality time with his wonderful wife and their three lovely daughters. He is also actively involved in volunteer and donation efforts within his local community, contributing to causes that are close to his heart.
Through his personal and professional endeavors, Paris continues to make a positive impact both in the maritime industry and in his community.

George Theocharidis is a Professor of Maritime Law & Policy at World Maritime University. Member of the Piraeus Law Bar and a qualified advocate before Areios Pagos (Supreme Court) with extensive shipping litigation practice. Member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Roster of Experts and Member of the Working Group of its Legal Committee pertaining to “Measures to Prevent Unlawful Practices Associated with Fraudulent Registration and Fraudulent Registries of Ships”. Special counsel to the Union of Greek Shipowners and Ordinary Member of the Law Commission that recently revised the Code of Private Maritime Law (KIND) of Greece. Co-Chair of the International Working Group on “Liability for the Wrongful Arrest of Ships” and Member of the Working Group on “Fraudulent Registration of Ships” of the Comité Maritime International (CMI). Supporting Member of the London Maritime Association of Arbitrators (LMAA) and Member of the Hellenic Maritime Law Association. Author of many books and articles in various fields of law, editorial board member of law journals and invited speaker in many international legal conferences. Holder of an LL.M. degree from the University of Cambridge (UK) and a Ph.D. from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece).

Jon is an arbitrator. He is the current President of the LMAA. In addition to London, he has arbitrated in Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Rotterdam.
Before he was an arbitrator, Jon spent nearly forty years in private practice for Ince & Co., first in their London office and then heading their office in Piraeus.
He acted in all types of maritime and commercial disputes for a wide range of clients. Jon has taught and lectured across the world for BIMCO and other bodies on
maritime law and arbitration. He is probably the only speaker at the Summit to have taught charterparty law with the aid of a piano. Jon co-edited one of the leading textbooks on the law of ship sale and purchase.
As a matter of full disclosure, Jon supports Tottenham Hotspur. In happier days he remembers as an eight-year-old watching England winning the World Cup.

Alessandro Panaro is Head of Maritime & Energy at SRM (Intesa Sanpaolo Group), a research center specialized in the analysis of the Mediterranean economy, logistics, and maritime transport. An internationally recognized economist and analyst, he coordinates strategic research on shipping, ports, supply chains, energy, and the geopolitical dynamics of the Wider Mediterranean region.

He serves as a member of several scientific committees of leading national and international institutions, observatories, and organizations. He is also the author of numerous publications, reports, and contributions featured in academic and specialized journals focused on maritime economics, logistics, and infrastructure development.

Alessandro Panaro regularly participates as a speaker and keynote speaker at international conferences and forums, collaborating with universities, port authorities, institutions, and global stakeholders in the maritime and logistics sectors.

John C. Lyras is a principal of Paralos Maritime Corporation S.A. and has been involved in shipping since 1975. He comes from a Greek seafaring family with a tradition in shipping that goes back four generations.
He has served as President and Vice President of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) and has been a member of the Board since 1979. He is Chairman of the UGS Foreign Affairs Committee.
He has been President and Vice President of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA). He has been a member of the Board of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) since 1985, Vice-Chairman from 1989 to 1991 and from 2014 to 2017, as well as Chairman of its Shipping Policy Committee from 2003 to 2014.
John C. Lyras is a founder member and ex Board member of Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA) and is a member of the Greek Committee of the American Bureau of Shipping and of Det Norske Veritas GL Greek National Committee.
He is also a founder member and Executive Committee member of the Malta International Shipowners Association (MISA).

A real expert in Corporate Finance, he has been active in the Shipping Industry for the last 40 years. Thanks to his long and recognized experience in the industry, he realized some of the most important operations on the Italian market as advisor, equity investor and in the structuring of complex financial operations of acquisition and development.
He is Managing Director in VSL Investment & Advisory S.p.A., an Investment and Advisory Holding whose main aim is to realize operations to help the development of companies in the Logistic and Maritime industry.
He holds relevant positions in some of the main associations of the sector (ECSA, Assiterminal, FEPORT). In CONFITARMA (Italian Shipowners’ Association) he is Vice President of the Fiscal & Financial Commission, member of the Ports & Infrastructure Commission and Coordinator of the Taxonomy Working Group.

Rave Al-Chamary is a Product Manager, Energy Saving Technologies at Wärtsilä, based in the Netherlands. With over eight years of experience at the company, he has held roles in both propulsion equipment sales and product management, providing him with a strong combination of commercial, technical, and strategic expertise.

In his current role, Rave is responsible for Wind Propulsion and a broad portfolio of Energy Saving Technologies, supporting shipowners and shipbuilders in improving vessel efficiency and reducing emissions. He has a strong focus on integrating these technologies into both retrofit and newbuild projects, helping the maritime industry advance its decarbonization objectives while delivering measurable fuel-efficiency improvements.

Including knowledge of the impact of maritime rules and regulations. More recently, his focus has expanded towards the development of fully integrated ship concepts, exploring how multiple technologies can be combined and optimized at vessel level to maximize operational performance, regulatory compliance, and sustainability outcomes.

Dr. Josianne Cutajar is a lawyer and EU policy advisor, as well as a former Member of the European Parliament (2019–2024). As an MEP she sat on the Committees of Transport and Tourism (TRAN) and Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE). As Vice-Chair for SMEs and Digitalisation in the Seas, Rivers, Islands & Coastal Areas (SEArica) Intergroup, as well as negotiator of several digital files, she bridged the digital and maritime agendas at EU level; advocating for the modernisation of maritime services and connectivity for island and coastal communities. She holds an LLM in European and Comparative Law, with her dissertation focusing on EU maritime cabotage legislation. Dr Cutajar currently serves as a Member of the Administrative Board of the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER).

Capt. Fritz Farrugia, Master Mariner by background, with a maritime career and education and training that started in Malta followed by further training and education in the United Kingdom where he obtained his Master Mariner Certificate of Competency. A career that extended to world-wide sailing, specialising on board Liquefied Natural Gas Carriers with International companies. He has been employed with the Ports & Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta since 2015, joining as Deputy Harbour Master and to date occupying the position of Chief Officer and Harbour Master withing the Ports & Yachting Directorate.

Thomas A. Kazakos is the Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), having previously served as Director General of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC), the representative National-Member Association of Cyprus at ICS, since 1995.

Throughout his last tenure, he actively participated together with successive CSC Board Members at the ICS Board, contributing in shaping the Association’s strategy on all regulatory, operational, and legal issues concerning the international shipping industry.

Thomas studied in the United Kingdom obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B) and a Master’s Degree in European and International Trade Law (LL.M). Thomas began his professional career at the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation prior to joining the Cyprus Shipping Chamber. Nationally, he also served as Board member at numerous professional business bodies in Cyprus, representing the Shipping Industry. Internationally, Thomas has represented Cyprus on the Board of ICS and the European Community Shipowners’ Association (ES/ECSA) in addition to having been an Administrative Board member of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

George Margaritopoulos is an average adjuster with Richards Hogg Lindley since 2015 and Director in the Greek office. He is a qualified Fellow of the British Association of Average Adjusters, a member of the International Association of Average Adjusters and a regular tutor at the Greek branch of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, specializing on Marine Insurance. Previous to that, he was occupied as a shipyards and chartering broker. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from University of Piraeus and an Master’s degree from Cardiff University.

Prof. Dr. Shiv Kumar Tripathi is Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Berlin school of Business and Innovation, Germany. Formerly, he worked as a Vice Chancellor of Atmiya University, India. During last 28 years of his career journey, Shiv has served many institutions and universities in Asia, Africa and Europe. Shiv co-chairs IN Principles of Responsible Management (PRME) Poverty Working Group; and is member of Steering Committee in Anti-Corruption Working Group. Shiv has more than 100 publications including 13 books on management, higher education and sustainability related themes.

Founded Scandinavia's highest-frequency container line, later acquired by A.P. Moller–Maersk, and has spent over four decades building and leading global maritime businesses. Established numerous international joint ventures across shipping, energy, and logistics, founded and chaired a fully integrated tanker company with a fleet of 42 vessels, and oversaw the construction of world-class tankers and dredging vessels at leading shipyards worldwide. Also served as a founding director of OMI Corporation's management company, strategic adviser to the Port of Rotterdam, and board chairman of a major maritime joint venture until its successful private equity exit in 2019. In 2020, founded EEC, continuing to advise and invest in the global shipping and maritime sectors.

Mathieu is a qualified Engineer with over 18 years of experience exclusively in the Superyacht Marina Sector, preparing feasibility studies, marina detail designs, material procurement, tendering and commissioning works; as well as day to day project management.

Based in the C&N Marinas London office, his role also covers several aspects of the civil works associated to harbour facilities, ranging from land reclamation, dredging, quay edge treatment, breakwaters and infrastructures, evident on a number of projects successfully completed both for C&N and those of it’s third party clientele worldwide.

Ms Maja Markovčić Kostelac took up the position of Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) on 1 January 2019. She is responsible for the running and development of the Agency under the oversight of its Administrative Board.
Starting out as a maritime lawyer, she has subsequently gained long-standing experience in the maritime field in both the public and private sector.
Prior to joining EMSA, Ms Markovčić Kostelac was State Secretary for Croatia’s Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure. Her duties entailed developing strategies, policies and legislation in the area of maritime transport, maritime safety, security and environmental protection. In this role, she also led the Croatian delegation in a range of international forums at the United Nations, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
During her time at Croatia’s Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure she held a number of positions, including Director of the Maritime Policy Directorate. She also served as Director of the Croatian Shipowners’ Association (Mare Nostrum).
Since joining EMSA, Ms Markovčić Kostelac has established the Agency’s five-year strategy (2020-2024) and organises its implementation. She has led EMSA’s work on a range of strategic and operational issues, including the maritime dimension of the European Green Deal, the development of enhanced digital solutions for national level administrations and relevant authorities, and the provision of support at international level to the European Commission and Member States at the IMO.

Mr. Konstantinos Economou is a senior banking executive with more than 26 years of extensive experience in the banking and financial services sector, with a particular specialization in shipping and transportation finance. Throughout his career, he has held positions of significant responsibility and trust within leading international and Greek banking institutions, including The Bank of Nova Scotia, EFG Eurobank, Bank of Cyprus, and Piraeus Bank S.A. He currently serves as Deputy General Manager and Head of Shipping Finance at CrediaBank. Under his leadership of the Shipping Finance Division, CrediaBank was awarded “Shipping Financier of the Year” at the 2025 Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards.

Mr. Economou holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Operations Management from Lancaster University, United Kingdom, and a Master of Science (MSc) in Marine Policy (Shipping and Trade) from Cardiff University, United Kingdom. He is also a Certified Economist and member of the Economic Chamber of Greece. In addition to his professional career in banking, Mr. Economou served in the Hellenic Army for 2 years as a Reserve Officer in the Finance Corps, attaining the rank of Second Lieutenant.

Mr. Economou has been a member of the Hellenic Ship Financiers Association since 2002 and was first elected to the Association’s Board of Directors in May 2011. He currently serves as General Secretary of the Association, contributing his extensive expertise and industry experience to the development and representation of the Greek shipping finance sector.

Mr. Kontes is the Director of Majestic International Cruises, responsible of the operation entirely including Marine, Technical, Hotel ops, with up to three vessels’ in operation
Studied Naval Architect and Marine Engineering in Greece, U.K. and U.S.A. with Master’s Degree. Performed duties in various positions, as President of Union of Cruise Ship Owners & Associated Members (EEKFN), Phoenix S.A.: Managing Director, Festival Cruises: Managing Director, Vice President of operation and new buildings / developing programs, and Director of Operation in Majestic International Cruises.
He is a member of various committees technical as well as shipping in general.
Member of the Steering Committee for a post graduate course in the Technical University of Athens in “Ports Management”, including lectures for cruising subject and tourist ports.
Member of the National Cruise Board Committee controlling cruise industry operation
Member of International Propeller Club USA (Previously General Secretary).
He has received various awards in shipping during his career.

Sotiris Raptis is the Secretary General of European Shipowners | ECSA. He took his first steps in the world of shipping as a policy advisor in the European Parliament back in 2010. He joined ES|ECSA as Director of Environment and Safety in 2020 and took on the role of Secretary General in 2022. Before leading ES|ECSA, Sotiris held several positions in different stakeholder organisations, such as ESPO and T&E. Sotiris is a qualified lawyer, with degrees from the University of Thessaloniki, the University of Athens and King’s College London. In 2008, he was awarded the European Citizen’s Prize of the European Parliament as member of the “G700” blog for promoting intergenerational justice.

Ivan Sammut has 25 years experience in the international maritime industry and graduated with a Master of Science degree in International Maritime Studies from the University of Southampton, United Kingdom. He was the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen (until November 2023), responsible for the Merchant Shipping Directorate within Transport Malta – the Malta Ship and Yacht Register for 14 years. He was until recently also Malta’s Permanent Representative of Malta to IMO, Malta’s Focal Point for Pollution Prevention at REMPEC, Malta’s representative on the Administrative Board of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF). Mr Sammut also acted as Malta’s head of delegation at a number of meetings of the International MaritimeOrganisation (IMO), REMPEC and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
For the last fourteen years, Mr Sammut was entrusted to regulate, control and administer all matters related to ship and yacht registration under the Malta flag and their technical performance with regards to safety and pollution prevention and to promote Maritime Malta with the international shipping community. He was also entrusted with regulating the employment and certification of seafarers and to promote and advance the skills of seafarers and of persons employed in the maritime industry, to foster Malta’s relations in international shipping fora and to administer the implementation of maritime and other related international conventions and regional and bilateral agreements.

Since December 2023, Mr Sammut was appointed as Head of REMPEC.

Enrico Molisani graduated in 2002 at the University of Genoa with a dissertation on maritime law and multimodal transport with specific reference to insurance issues and liabilities regime.
After having obtained a diploma in 2004 at the post graduate Law School M. De André, Genoa, he has spent a trainee period in a London international shipping law firm.
In 2010 he has got a second degree (J.D.) at UCAM – Universidad Catolica San Antonio de Murcia and, in the same year, has been admitted at the Bar of Barcelona (ICAB).
In 2011 Enrico Molisani has been awarded a diploma by the Institute of Maritime Law at the University o Southampton.
Admitted at the Bar of Malta in 2015.
Founding partner of M&C Studio Legale Internazionale in 2008 and, when such firm merged with Riccomagno Lawfirm, co-founder of MR InternationalLawyers (2016). To date Managing Partner at WEGAL Law Firm and Legal and Credit Risk Manager at Rudder SAM.
Wide experience both in domestic and international litigation as well as in advisory work in the matters of insurance, maritime and transport law, logistics with particular concern to shippers and carrier’s liability, cargo loss or damage, average adjustments, air, land and maritime claims, insurance, arrests of ships, liens of cargoes and interim orders in general.
The work is often extended to the connected issues regarding private international law, conflicts of jurisdiction and insolvency law.
The customary clients of Enrico Molisani are cargo and H&M insurers, P&I Clubs, Shipowners, charterers, MTOs, freight forwarders, terminal operators and ship agents.
He deals also with company law issues in the marine and non-marine sector and sits in some supervisory bodies set up in compliance with the Italian Legislative Decree n. 231/2001 disciplining the corporate legal liability.

Charles “Bud” Darr is President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the global trade association that represents an expansive community of the world's most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports and destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services.
As President and CEO, Darr is responsible for leading the organization’s work as the leading authority and voice of the industry across the association’s five operating regions, including North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Australasia, and Brazil.
Darr was announced in December 2024 as president and CEO of CLIA effective 3 February 2025—returning to CLIA, having previously held the post of Senior Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs from 2010 to 2017. Prior to his return to CLIA, Darr served as Executive Vice President, Maritime Policy and Government Affairs, at MSC Group for more than seven years. During his accomplished career in maritime, he has also held positions within the U.S. Coast Guard, including Deputy Chief of Maritime & International Law, and he has served in the U.S. Navy, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard.
A highly respected figure in the maritime world, Darr’s leadership of CLIA comes at an important time for the industry as the cruise sector builds on a strong and responsible growth trajectory in support of its 2050 sustainability targets. He has exceptional maritime experience and over the course of his career has built outstanding relationships across the global cruise industry and with related trade, equipment, ports, shipbuilders, and service providers.
Darr has extensive experience across the broader maritime community, including through his involvement with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), BIMCO, UK Chamber of Shipping, Liberian Shipowners Council, SEA-LNG, Society for Gas as Marine Fuel, World Shipping Council, IMO World Maritime University, Cruise Safety and Sustainability Forum, and the Seamen's Church Institute (SCI).
He began his education in Submarine Nuclear Engineering and later obtained his formal undergraduate education at the US Merchant Marine Academy. During his service with the US Coast Guard, he studied law at the George Washington University Law School.

Dr. Ivan Tabone earned his Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Malta and was subsequently admitted to the bar. He furthered his legal education by pursuing a Master’s Degree in International Maritime Law at the IMO International Maritime Law Institute.

Currently, Dr. Tabone serves as the Chief Officer and Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen for the Malta Ship Registry, operating under the Authority for Transport in Malta. His primary area
of expertise lies in the human element, having previously headed the Seafarer Department for several years, where he oversaw the training, certification, and welfare of seafarers.

Since joining the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Malta in 1999, Neville Aquilina has served in various capacities, both domestically and internationally. Appointed Director responsible for European Affairs in 2012 and subsequently Director General in 2015, he has contributed significantly to the formulation and implementation of Malta's foreign policy.
His responsibilities include coordinating and developing Malta's United Nations policy, and he also oversees matters related to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the Council of Europe (COE).
In 2015, he was appointed Chair of the Sanctions Monitoring Board. In this role, Neville Aquilina played a key part in drafting the new “Sanctions Law,” which governs, among other things, the scope of the Sanctions Board and the establishment of public-private partnerships on sanctions compliance. This law strengthened the Board’s role as a supervisory authority, which regularly collaborates with other supervisory bodies in Malta and internationally. He also negotiates sanctions policies and provides expert advice on sanctions regimes.
Neville Aquilina holds a Master's Degree in Diplomacy and International Relations and a Bachelor of Arts (Honors). He is fluent in English, Maltese, and Italian.