Korea aims to strengthen global maritime cooperation

Oceans Minister Kang Do-hyung, front row center, poses with ambassadors and diplomatic envoys during a briefing session on the 10th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Feb. 24. Courtesy of Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries

Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries hosted a briefing session on the 10th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, Feb. 24, inviting foreign diplomatic envoys to discuss preparations for the upcoming international event.

More than 70 diplomats attended, including 21 ambassadors from countries such as Italy, Belgium, Senegal and the Philippines. Oceans Minister Kang Do-hyung provided an in-depth briefing on the conference’s agenda and preparations, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Scheduled to take place in Busan from April 28 to 30, the OOC is a high-level global forum that facilitates discussions on marine issues and international cooperation. Government officials, international organizations and global nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) convened to announce voluntary commitments aimed at addressing pressing maritime challenges.

Korea, as the host nation, introduced “Marine Digitalization” as a special theme alongside six core agenda items. The initiative aimed to explore ways digital technologies can tackle challenges in the maritime sector.

Leveraging its strengths as a leader in shipping, shipbuilding and digital technology, Korea organized special events, including the Shipping, Shipbuilding, and Marine Digital Business Summit and a specialized exhibition. These events sought to foster collaboration and exchanges between global maritime leaders and industry stakeholders.

As this year’s chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Korea also hosted the 5th APEC Ministerial Meeting on Ocean-Related Affairs. The government expected to create synergy between the OOC and APEC ministerial discussions to facilitate broader engagement on maritime issues.

The 10th OOC is expected to draw approximately 2,000 attendees, including heads of state, senior government officials and representatives from international organizations, NGOs and businesses. A significant presence from APEC member nations is also expected.

"We will ensure the seamless preparation of the 10th Our Ocean Conference so that it serves as a platform for global maritime stakeholders to discuss key ocean issues and take action based on these discussions,” Kang said. “We ask for the public’s interest and support for this major international maritime conference hosted in Korea."