Government Launches Preparations for 2028 UN Ocean Conference

The South Korean government is mobilizing a multi-agency organization in preparation for the 2028 UN Ocean Conference, which will be attended by representatives from 193 UN member countries.

On August 3, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries will launch the 'UN Ocean Conference Preparatory Planning Team' in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. A plaque ceremony will be held, attended by heads of organizations such as the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), and the Fisheries Resources Agency (FIRA).

The planning team will operate under a leader and a deputy leader, with three teams: the Planning Coordination Team, the Financial Infrastructure Team, and the External Cooperation Team. It aims to establish a collaborative framework involving relevant ministries, local governments, public institutions, and private experts, while also enhancing communication with UN member states and international organizations.

The UN Ocean Conference is an international event where 193 UN member countries, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society discuss solutions to major marine issues such as climate change and ocean pollution. The third conference, held in June 2022 in Nice, France, attracted around 15,000 participants, including over 60 heads of state.

The fourth conference will be co-hosted by South Korea and Chile in 2028, with key topics expected to include the transition to artificial intelligence (AI) in the marine sector and Arctic shipping routes. Discussions will also focus on the direction of international marine cooperation beyond 2030.

Seo Jeong-ho, head of the UN Ocean Conference Preparatory Planning Team, stated, "We will prepare for a conference that reflects South Korea's international stature and capabilities with a sense of responsibility and mission."