Christophe Van Maele manages the Maritime Governance Unit within the Peacekeeping Division of UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research). He coordinates maritime and port security projects in Malaysia, Bahrain, West and Central Africa, and Rwanda, aiming to enhance their resilience against various security issues, including ISPS compliance, drone threats, and cybersecurity risks. With over 35 years of experience in the maritime sector, including work in ports and on commercial ships, he has gained extensive knowledge of the industry and understands the challenges associated with implementing new technologies in seaports. Academically, he is pursuing a PhD in Maritime Governance and holds an MBA and several master’s degrees.