The 4th United Nations Ocean Conference to Be Held in the Republic of Korea in June 2028

[Financial News] The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that, as a result of a resolution adopted at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly held at the United Nations Headquarters (UN Headquarters) in New York, United States, on the 9th (local time), the Republic of Korea has been confirmed as the host of the 4th United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in June 2028.
The United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) is the largest and highest-level international conference in the marine sector, held every three years to implement United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources). Approximately 15,000 participants—including representatives from all 193 UN member states, international organizations, and NGOs—gather to discuss key marine issues.
Notably, the 4th UNOC will be held in 2028, just two years before the 2030 deadline for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As such, it is expected to serve as a pivotal moment for setting the framework and direction for new marine cooperation beyond 2030.
Until now, the UNOC has been jointly hosted by developed and developing countries to ensure inclusive and balanced discussions on marine cooperation. Accordingly, the Republic of Korea agreed to co-host the event with the Republic of Chile in April 2024 and has actively pursued efforts to secure the hosting rights.
As the UNOC is an official international conference of the United Nations, the detailed agenda and structure of the conference will be determined through consultations among UN member states, with the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Chile taking the lead as host countries. The government plans to use the 4th UNOC as an opportunity to showcase Korea’s advanced marine technology, industry, and policy, as well as a platform for high-level diplomacy.
Additionally, on the 9th at the UN Headquarters, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), which oversees the UNOC. This agreement is expected to further strengthen Korea’s contribution and role in international marine cooperation discussions at the UN level beyond 2030.
Minister Jeon Jae-soo of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) stated, “The 4th UNOC will serve as a significant milestone, demonstrating our government’s commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable ocean in collaboration with the international community. Through systematic preparation, we will ensure that the Republic of Korea firmly establishes itself as a leading global maritime nation.”
Minister Cho Hyun of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remarked, “This achievement reflects Korea’s responsible contributions and high level of trust built within the international community. Building on the successful hosting of the 4th UNOC, we will continue to lead international discussions in the marine sector.”

leeyb@fnnews.com Lee Yu-beom, Kim Kyung-min Reporter