Busan Named Host of the 4th United Nations Ocean Conference
- Contents
-
Busan Named Host of the 4th United Nations Ocean Conference
□ Busan Metropolitan City will welcome the 4th United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC4) in June 2028.
○ The final decision was made on August 10, 2026, at the Seoul Office of the National Fishery Products Quality Management Service, following a competitive bid against Jeju Province.
□ Held every three years, the UN Ocean Conference is the highest-level forum devoted to SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
○ The 4th conference will be co-hosted by Korea and Chile, with the main plenary session convening in Busan in June 2028.
○ Coming just two years before the 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs, UNOC4 will play an important role in assessing progress on ocean issues, including climate change, pollution, and ecosystem preservation, as well as identifying directions for cross-border cooperation toward healthier, more resilient oceans beyond 2030.
○ Approximately 20,000 representatives from all 193 UN member states, governments, organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector are anticipated to attend.
□ Busan is home to a major concentration of maritime domains—shipping, ports, shipbuilding, and fisheries—and has robust capabilities in marine science and technology, research, and education.
○ In particular, Busan has a strong track record of delivering, as evidenced by the successful hosting of the 10th Our Ocean Conference in 2025. In addition, the city has maintained alliances through the PEMSEA Network of Local Governments*.
*Comprising 11 member countries and 21 non-country partners under the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia
○ Busan’s marine expertise and experience, proven competence in organizing large-scale events such as the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit, and its cutting-edge convention infrastructure were favorably evaluated.
□ UNOC4 will enable Korea and Busan to introduce their exemplary policies and accomplishments to the international community and promote concerted efforts among participating stakeholders to address widespread ocean challenges.
○ In conjunction with the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Busan will solidify its position as a hub for Korea’s ocean governance and multilateral exchanges, while fostering lasting ties across industries, technologies, and experts that can carry forward after UNOC4.
□ With UNOC4 and the World Design Capital slated for 2028, Busan expects to demonstrate its key areas and appeal as a destination where marine environmental protection and sustainability intersect with design, enhancing its overall city brand. It will also generate tangible benefits for residents by linking UNOC4 with the tourism and MICE sectors, as well as the marine and design fields.
□ Mayor Chun Jae-soo noted, “I am proud that Busan has been affirmed globally as Korea’s maritime leader. We will coordinate closely with the central government and make thorough preparations so that UNOC4 can facilitate solidarity and collective endeavors.”
○ He added, “By gathering cities, associations, businesses, and research centers together, we will chart a sustainable path forward for the oceans and ensure that UNOC4 contributes to deeper international engagement and the growth of Busan’s blue economy.”
