KMI Launches Support Task Force to Back Domestic Bid for 4th UN Ocean Conference

Cooperating with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Ahead of Final Host City Selection
15 Experts Form Dedicated Task Force

Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), led by President Cho Jeonghee, is ramping up its efforts to support the domestic bid for the 4th UN Ocean Conference in 2028. In preparation for the final host city selection scheduled for December this year, KMI has established and is operating a 'UN Ocean Conference Support Task Force (TF)'.

The UN Ocean Conference is an international meeting held to advance the implementation of Goal 14 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and marine resources. It is the highest-level event in the ocean sector, with participation from UN member states, international organizations, NGOs, and private companies.

South Korea is currently seeking to co-host the conference with Chile, and the final decision on the host will be made at the end of this year through a United Nations General Assembly resolution.

Closing ceremony of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference. Photo by KMI

KMI has appointed 15 experts from five research divisions?marine affairs, shipping and logistics, maritime affairs, ports, fisheries, and global strategy?to the TF, with Senior Research Fellow Park Sujin serving as the team leader. The TF plans to work closely with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and other relevant ministries throughout the entire bidding process, providing policy and strategic support.

Korea Maritime Institute has already demonstrated its capabilities in organizing international events by leading key agenda responses and hosting side events such as the 'Global Ocean Leaders Forum' at the 10th Our Ocean Conference held at BEXCO in Busan this April. In June, KMI also participated as part of the government delegation at the 3rd UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, engaging in various policy activities.

President Cho Jeonghee stated, "If South Korea is selected to host the UN Ocean Conference, we will focus on developing concrete roadmaps and identifying key agendas to address global ocean crises such as marine climate change, plastic pollution, loss of marine biodiversity, and maritime security." She added, "Through this TF, KMI will do its utmost to support practical policy development and preparations for hosting the conference."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.