"Shaping the Ocean's Future from Busan"... KMI Leads Global Ocean Finance Discussions Toward the UN Ocean Conference

UN and World Bank Join Forces to Present the 'Busan Roadmap'

The Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), led by President Cho Jeonghee, co-hosted the 'Ocean Finance Forum for Preparations for the 4th United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC4) in 2028' with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the United Nations (UN), and the World Bank Group at the Paradise Hotel in Busan from May 6 to May 7.

This forum was organized ahead of the 4th United Nations Ocean Conference, scheduled to be held in the Republic of Korea in 2028, to discuss practical implementation strategies for SDG14, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems as part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The event focused on topics such as securing financial resources, strengthening international cooperation, and linking policies for marine protection and the establishment of a sustainable ocean economy. In particular, the 'Busan Roadmap', presented as the forum's core outcome, captured the attention of the international community.

During his presentation, Dr. Ko Byunguk of the Korea Maritime Institute highlighted issues such as funding shortages, governance limitations, and challenges in scientific and technological cooperation encountered in the course of implementing SDG14. He proposed step-by-step execution strategies and directions for international collaboration. The Busan Roadmap includes specific action plans, such as building an ocean finance system, expanding international cooperation, and strengthening marine protected areas.

In the comprehensive session that followed, Dr. Cho Sungjin of the Korea Maritime Institute summarized the two days of discussions, emphasizing that "responding to the ocean crisis requires joint action beyond national boundaries." Representatives from the United Nations, the World Bank Group, and both domestic and international experts also described the Busan Roadmap as "a meaningful international cooperation milestone for achieving SDG14."

The Korea Maritime Institute plans to continue expanding collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, international organizations, and the global expert network to support the successful hosting of the 4th United Nations Ocean Conference in 2028. In particular, the institute will persist with policy research aimed at developing marine finance mechanisms, expanding marine protected areas, and establishing sustainable ocean governance.

Cho Jeonghee, President of the Korea Maritime Institute, stated, "This forum has established Busan as an international platform leading global ocean policy and cooperation discussions," adding, "We will continue to play an active role in strengthening the Republic of Korea's maritime diplomacy capabilities and ensuring the success of UNOC4."

The Korea Maritime Institute, in collaboration with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the United Nations, and the World Bank Group, is holding the 'Ocean Finance Forum for the Preparation of the 4th UN Ocean Conference (UNOC4) in 2028' at the Paradise Hotel in Busan from the 6th to the 7th.

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