Minister Jeon Jae-su: "Hosting UN Ocean Conference to Realize 'K-Ocean Powerhouse'"

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Jeon Jae-su, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, expressed his confidence in Korea's bid to host the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in 2028 and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Korea as a 'K-Ocean Powerhouse.'

Jeon Jae-su, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, is speaking at a press briefing held in Manhattan, New York, on the 7th (local time). Photo by New York Correspondents.

At a press briefing held in Manhattan, New York, on the 7th (local time), Minister Jeon stated, "Hosting the United Nations Ocean Conference is part of the national agenda to build Korea into a leading ocean nation, and the government is mobilizing all its diplomatic capabilities to achieve this goal."

He added, "I see the probability of Korea hosting the United Nations Ocean Conference as 100%. President Lee Jaemyung already conveyed our intentions at the United Nations General Assembly in September, and we are preparing diligently, which puts us in a unique position."

The United Nations Ocean Conference is an international meeting attended by 193 UN member states and UN-affiliated international organizations to discuss ways to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and overcome the ocean crisis. After being hosted by Sweden and Fiji in 2017, Portugal and Kenya in 2022, and France and Costa Rica in 2025, Korea and Chile are jointly bidding to host the 2028 conference.

Minister Jeon explained, "In line with the convention of co-hosting between developed and developing countries, Korea is preparing the bid together with Chile, our first free trade agreement (FTA) partner." He also noted that Chile is recognized as a model country, operating marine protected areas that cover 40% of its territorial waters. The United Nations plans to designate 30% of the world’s oceans as protected areas by 2030.

Minister Jeon highlighted, "At the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly held in London last week, Korea was elected to the top-tier A group (maritime nations) for the 13th consecutive time with overwhelming support. If we also succeed in hosting the United Nations Ocean Conference, Korea will firmly establish itself as a true maritime powerhouse and a leading country in marine agendas." He added, "With around 15,000 participants expected, the United Nations Ocean Conference will also have significant national and economic ripple effects."

The host location for the 2028 United Nations Ocean Conference will be finalized through the adoption of a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly on the 8th. The joint hosting by Korea and Chile has already been coordinated in advance with the UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, making it virtually confirmed.

Regarding the selection of the domestic host city after Korea’s bid is finalized, Minister Jeon explained, "We will determine the city through a competitive bidding process to ensure the most successful hosting."

He also noted that the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries officially began its relocation to Busan on the 8th, stating, "The special law supporting the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, which passed the National Assembly last month, has clearly defined Busan as the 'Maritime Capital,' further strengthening Busan’s legal status as the maritime capital."

Meanwhile, when asked about the possibility of running for mayor of Busan in the local elections next June, Minister Jeon avoided a direct answer but said, "Regardless of which minister comes or which administration takes office, my role is to make Busan’s maritime infrastructure irreversible." He continued, "I should focus on achieving results and fulfilling my duties, rather than thinking about elections. Nevertheless, I will relocate the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and public institutions to Busan and attract as many private companies as possible to make these changes irreversible."

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