The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, which showcased the cultural, natural, and future values of islands worldwide, concluded its 61-day journey with a fireworks display over Yeosu's night sea.
The organizing committee announced that the closing ceremony took place on November 4 at 5:30 PM at the main venue in the Dolsan Jinmo area of Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, marking the official end of the expo.
The ceremony was attended by over 3,000 people, including co-chair Min Hyung-bae, the mayor of Gwangju, Yeosu Mayor Seo Young-hak, and organizing committee chair Park Soo-kwan, who celebrated the expo's final moments together.
The expo, which opened on September 5, was themed 'Islands, Connecting the Sea and the Future' and took place across the Dolsan Jinmo area, Yeosu World Expo site, and nearby islands over 61 days.
Promoted as the world's first island expo, the event aimed to highlight the unique histories and cultures of islands while exploring their future directions amid the climate crisis and changes in marine environments.
The closing ceremony began with a video showcasing key moments from the expo and a breakdancing performance by the Jackpot Crew.
Following this, a rally was held to support Yeosu's bid to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP33), expressing a commitment to link the international interest generated by the expo to climate crisis responses.
The official program included an opening performance by the Dasom Children's Choir, introductions of dignitaries, remarks from the co-chairs, the reading of the Yeosu Island Declaration, and the closing declaration.
Mayor Min Hyung-bae expressed gratitude to all attendees, stating, "We have created a space for the world to meet around the theme of islands for the first time, sharing the histories and cultures of islands from various countries and exploring the future of islands amid the climate crisis and the potential of future energy from the sea, wind, and sunlight."
Chair Park Soo-kwan reflected on the challenges faced in preparing and operating the inaugural expo, noting, "As this was the first expo, there were many discussions and trial-and-error experiences, and we deeply contemplated how to hold a grand event on a limited budget. While the festival concludes today, I hope Yeosu plays a pivotal role as a global tourist destination ushering in the era of the southern coast."
A highlight of the closing ceremony was the 'Yeosu Island Declaration,' which outlines a commitment to a sustainable future for islands.
The declaration includes five action items: preserving the nature and culture of islands, jointly responding to the crises faced by islands due to climate change, improving the health, safety, and quality of life for island residents, harmonizing environmental conservation with regional development, and requesting international cooperation for the establishment of 'World Islands Day' as a UN international observance.
This reflects the understanding that islands are not merely tourist resources but vital spaces for the lives of residents and for addressing the climate crisis and marine environmental conservation, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility from the international community.
Mayor Seo Young-hak expressed gratitude for the participation and cooperation of citizens throughout the expo in his closing remarks.
He stated, "The most significant realization from hosting this island expo was the power of the citizens. From the 2012 Yeosu World Expo to the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo and the upcoming COP33, I am convinced that there is nothing we cannot achieve with the strength of our citizens."
He added, "Through the World Island Cities Conference and the International Island Forum, we have strengthened global cooperation and plan to work jointly with the international community for the establishment of 'World Islands Day.' We will strive to ensure that the outcomes of the expo lead to advancements in tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and the cultural industry."
The closing ceremony concluded with celebratory performances by the Yeosu City Traditional Music Orchestra, the Yeosu City Choir, and singer Han Soo-jung.
As fireworks lit up the Yeosu night sea, the 61-day gathering of the world's islands came to an end.
This expo not only highlighted the cultural diversity and ecological values of the world's islands but also presented climate crisis responses and improvements to the living conditions of island residents as international collaborative tasks.
In particular, the call for the establishment of 'World Islands Day' as a UN international observance and the resolution to host COP33 demonstrate a commitment to maintaining cooperative relationships with the international community beyond the expo.
While the 61-day expo has concluded, the challenge remains to connect its achievements to sustainable growth for the region.
How the international exchange foundation established through the expo will develop into tourism, MICE industries, and marine environmental conservation policies will be a crucial measure of future success.
Above all, it is essential that the promises outlined in the declaration regarding improving transportation and medical access for island residents and enhancing living conditions translate into concrete policies, making follow-up actions after the expo critical.
Attention will be focused on whether the 61-day journey that began with the gathering of the world's islands can lead to substantial changes that go beyond a one-time international event, transforming the future of Yeosu and the southern coastal island regions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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