The ITF International Transport Workers’ Federation, in partnership with the National Union of Seafarers of Sri Lanka (NUSS), proudly announces a ground-breaking conference on artificial intelligence, to be held in Colombo.
This landmark event marks the ITF’s first AI-focused conference worldwide and the first of its kind to be hosted in Sri Lanka, underscoring ITF’s commitment to advancing technology, safety, and sustainable practice across the global transport sector.
The ITF is a global federation representing seafarers, dockworkers, and other transport workers, with a membership base exceeding 8 million workers across more than 150 countries.
This event will bring together leading voices from labour, industry, and technology to explore AI’s impact on safety, operations, workforce development, and governance.
Key highlights and objectives:
Global collaboration on AI ethics and safety: Establish guiding principles for AI deployment that protect workers’ rights, privacy, and safety at sea and on land.
Workforce development and training: Share best practices for upskilling and reskilling seafarers and transport workers to thrive in an AI-enabled environment.
Operational efficiency and safety: Examine AI-driven solutions for routing, logistics, maintenance, and safety monitoring while ensuring robust human oversight.
Policy and governance: Promote inclusive policy frameworks that balance innovation with social protection and fair labour standards.
Networking and partnership opportunities: Foster cross-border collaboration among unions, employers, technology providers, and policymakers.
Organized under the auspices of ITF and hosted by NUSS, the conference will feature keynote addresses from international labour leaders, technical sessions, and panels addressing the practical implications of AI adoption in maritime and transport sectors.
Attendees will include ITF affiliates, maritime unions, port and logistics operators, technology developers, and regulators committed to shaping a worker-cantered AI future.
Quotes:
“This conference represents a monumental moment in time as AI emerges as a key part of current and future life, as we know it. NUSS is honoured to host this historic event in Colombo, reinforcing our pivotal role in global seafaring and transport.” — CEO Mr. Boa Athu, National Union of Seafarers Asia Pacific.
“AI offers transformative potential when guided by strong social dialogue, equitable access to training, and robust safeguards for governance.” he further added.
