Kahlil Hassanali

​Dr Kahlil Hassanali is a Senior Researcher with a Ph.D in Maritime Affairs. Although pursuing a doctoral degree was never part of his grand plan, life experiences seemed to inevitably steer him down this path. Now, with it completed, he intends to continue adding to the conversations related to ocean management, encouraging sustainability and contributing to sustainable development. Kahlil overcame imposter syndrome to dive into memorable personal and professional experiences in this incredible journey. We hope this story and path, will help someone who may be thinking about the field or a similar one. Here is Kahlil’s story:
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I always had an appreciation for the environment and outdoors. After living in Morvant until seven years old, my family moved to “green” Santa Cruz, where I did a lot of outdoor activities. From a young age, I always had a natural inclination and interest in the outdoors but my father’s belief that it was better to “go outside and play”, may have ultimately helped to deepen my interest.
“I might as well stick with this”
Now, my academic path may seem clear and all connected. But as a youth, I didn’t always know what I wanted to pursue. I probably could have gone into various fields, but I always seemed to lean toward sciences. My uncle said I would have made “a good lawyer” too but Geography turned out to be my favourite subject at Queen’s Royal College. Perhaps, because I had a great teacher, Ms Winnette Skinner. My love for Geography and my success in it, ultimately placed me into the Environmental category for Advanced Level (A-Level) scholarships. When I won a scholarship, I decided that I might as well stick with this.
By 2010, I had completed both my undergraduate and master’s degrees. I thought that would be it, the end of the academic journey. No more studying for me. So, I came back home and took up a research role at the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) in Trinidad and Tobago. I became involved in marine policy research and participated in fellowship programmes to gain further academic and professional experience and cultivate leadership skills. These took me to University of Rhode Island (URI) and University of California, Davis (UC Davis) in the United States.
With these programmes, I was slowly convinced that I could/should do a Ph.D. I just had to find a topic that would hold my interest. Deciding to embark on the doctoral programme was a confluence of a few factors.
In 2018, after returning from a year-long fellowship at University of California, Davis (UC Davis), I wanted to spend an extended period back in Trinidad. But in returning to work, I realised that while I loved my job, the workplace environment at the time was a little challenging.
Around the same time, the intergovernmental negotiations to develop the BBNJ Agreement (an international treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction) were just getting underway. This was a topic that had piqued my interest after working with the T&T Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York during the preparatory stages providing technical advice.
The BBNJ negotiation process and some of the topics involved, were novel and dynamic and I knew it was something that wouldn’t bore me. It was something worth pursuing for a Ph.D. The last piece of the puzzle fell into place when a friend sent me a Ph.D. scholarship opportunity at the newly established Global Ocean Institute (GOI) out of the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden.
I still mulled over and delayed in applying because I still wasn’t sure if the time was right, despite all the signs pointing in that direction. I eventually submitted my application, only a few hours before the deadline on Carnival Sunday (just after coming back from a fete and heading out to another one lol).
I found out I got accepted in May 2019 and started in September 2019.
“I have a responsibility to do some good”.
When people hear ‘Maritime’, they rightfully may think of shipping and port management activities. For many years, this was the main focus of the World Maritime University and they have traditionally awarded doctoral degrees in Maritime Affairs. The Global Ocean Institute, however, was established within the University to have a more holistic, integrated look at ocean matters, including across all sectors and from a more environmentally focused vantage point. So, while my Ph.D may be in “Maritime Affairs”, it focuses more on Ocean Governance and my work takes a more cross-sectoral view to ocean management, to encourage sustainability and contribute to sustainable development. By creating and adequately implementing appropriate governance and policy mechanisms, systems and processes we can attempt to mediate and structure society’s interactions with oceans and seas to try to make them  more environmentally conscious and socially equitable so that humans can serve as better stewards of these spaces  while still benefitting from what they offer.
Many people ask me what specifically I wish to do with my doctoral degree or where I see myself in ten years. I usually say I hope to continue doing useful and impactful work for as long as I can. The work I’ve done during and outside the academic journey, has afforded me the opportunity to be present in rooms and contribute to conversations relating to ocean management, which I never imagined I would be part of. I have a responsibility to try to do some good while I have this kind of access and influence.
The doctoral degree has also given me greater exposure and a wider platform to develop and champion some of the ideas, concepts and practices that me, my colleagues at the IMA, T&T, the Caribbean and indeed across the world, have been working on for many years. These may be more progressive, equitable and effective than the present-day status quo.
“The experience …was also life-altering”
In addition to completing the Ph.D, I have also had some other remarkable moments.  Participating in the UN-Nippon Foundation of Japan fellowship program in 2013 really introduced me to the law of the sea (the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) which was the basis of much of my future work. It also introduced me to the United Nations system and a great network of global ocean professionals.
The experience as a lead negotiator for CARICOM on the BBNJ Agreement was also life-altering.   It was a steep learning curve, but I was fortunate to work with and be guided by an amazing group of professionals from our region. The evening that we finalised the text of the BBNJ Agreement,was a moment I won’t forget as it came after years of effort and, at that particular negotiating session, was the culmination of a 36-hour marathon session of non-stop negotiating after spending the previous two weeks trying to resolve outstanding issues.
“I want to do right by them and their efforts”
My inspiration to do what I do, comes from two sources. Older family, friends and colleagues, including first and foremost my parents but inclusive of many others, who have invested so much in raising,  shaping and guiding me. I want to do right by them and their efforts. There are some mentors who have been quite influential in my personal and professional growth. They know who they are, I would hesitate to list the names.
The other source of inspiration is the younger generation, like my niece and nephews, who I would like to see have a beautiful world to grow up in.
Although at times, progress can be glacially slow, I derive contentment knowing that I am working for a greater good and (hopefully) higher purpose. (I can’t be in it for the money because environmental work is not the best paying).
To the youngsters reading this, I want you to value individuality, but do not confuse it with individualism. I find that this is something people tend to do. Cherish your uniqueness, but always be cognizant of the fact that we need connection, we need to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper and we need to always be thinking about how our words and actions impact those around us.
To the teenager, who may be confused about their future career path, I want you to keep an open mind to all possibilities, especially in this interconnected and rapidly changing world.
It is important to take time to reflect on your motivations, passions and what brings contentment. I also think that if your initial choice does not feel right, don’t be afraid to pivot. (Source: MENtions - Stories about us, Nov. 26, 2023) 
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Kahlil continues to give thanks for what he has been given and strives to do justice by the people and forces that have blessed him.

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