Seoul: The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on Wednesday that it will advocate for South Korea's dedication to the sustainable use of oceans during the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) scheduled for June 2028. On the preceding day, the U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution in New York at a plenary meeting, appointing South Korea and Chile as the host countries for the UNOC.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Chile is set to organize a high-level event in 2027, with the main conference following in South Korea the next year. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries intends to utilize this platform to showcase technologies, industries, and policy initiatives related to the sustainable development of ocean and marine resources.

In preparation for the event, the ministry has signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) to ensure the successful hosting of the conference. Oceans Minister Chun Jae-soo emphasized the country's ambition to establish itself as a leading force in global ocean affairs.

The upcoming UNOC will mark its fourth edition, focusing on the implementation of U.N. Sustainable Development Goal 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The conference is expected to draw approximately 15,000 participants from 193 U.N. member countries, international bodies, and non-governmental organizations, as noted by the oceans ministry.