Global Ocean Leaders Gather in Korea for the Opening of the 10th OOC

 

About 2,300 people including representatives from governments, high-level international organizations, global NGOs, and companies from 100 countries to attend the 10th OCC to discuss cooperation for a sustainable ocean future; Digital Oceans as special agenda

 

As a country with an integrated maritime administration, Korea plans to announce the Korea Blue Action Plan for Sustainable Oceans—a collection of approximately 70 maritime-related action pledges based on past experiences and achievements—to the international community

 

 The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister Kang Do-hyung) announced that it will hold the 10th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) and the 5th APEC Maritime Ministerial Meeting in Busan from Monday, April 28 to Wednesday, April 30.

 

 The OOC is a leading high-level international maritime conference where leaders gather annually to discuss maritime issues and announce actionable pledges. The 10th OOC will be hosted by Korea this year, with approximately 2,300 delegates from around 100 countries—including government ministers and vice-ministers, high-ranking representatives from international organizations such as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, as well as global NGO and corporate representatives—expected to attend to discuss practical measures for securing a sustainable future for our ocean.

 

 To be held under the slogan “Our Ocean, Our Action,” this year’s conference will urge maritime stakeholders worldwide to take action for the sound use and conservation of the ocean. The attendants will discuss six basic agendas (marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, climate change, maritime security, and maritime economy) and “Digital Oceans,” which was selected as a special agenda by the host country to promote maritime action.

 

 In particular, as a country with an integrated maritime administration with a ministry in charge of shipping, fisheries, shipping, and ports, Korea plans to introduce the Korea Blue Action Plan for a Sustainable Ocean—a package of about 70 challenging action pledges based on its past experiences and achievements—to the international community. The Plan’s key contents include leading the expansion of marine protected areas worldwide, discussing the transition of ships to eco-friendly fuel and establishing a supply chain, and implementing a full-cycle management policy for fishing gear to reduce marine plastic pollution. The MOF plans to share leading examples of sustainable oceans and continue to play a role in international cooperation through it.

 

 Moreover, the Ministry plans to incorporate the capabilities of Korea—a shipping and shipbuilding powerhouse as well as a digital leader—into this year’s OOC. The 10th OOC will also hold a business summit related to shipping and shipbuilding on April 29, a maritime digital on April 30, and a special exhibition where visitors can see related content—all aimed at showcasing Korea’s capabilities and achievements in leading eco-friendly and digital transitions to the international community while strengthening the global competitiveness of Korean companies by expanding global networks.

 

 In addition, over 80 side events hosted by global marine NGOs, international organizations, and research institutions will make this the largest OOC in history. These events will feature in-depth discussions on practical measures for advancing international cooperation such as expanding marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, and reducing marine plastic pollution.

 

 After the OOC, MOF will host the 5th APEC Maritime Ministers’ Meeting in Busan from Wednesday, April 30 to Thursday, May 1. The Maritime Ministers’ Meeting will be resumed in commemoration of the occasion of Korea being the APEC chairing country in 20 years since 2005. It aims to create synergy between the two conferences to advance global ocean cooperation and reinforce its position as a responsible, advanced maritime nation.

 

 “Through the OOC and APEC meetings, we will fulfill our role as a responsible advanced maritime nation for sustainable oceans. I ask for the public’s interest and support as Korea embarks on this voyage to protect our oceans,” Minister Kang Do-hyung said.