Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Chun Jae-soo on Dec. 9 speaks at the United Nations General Assembly at the world body's headquarters in New York. (Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries)

By Margareth Theresia

The country will jointly host in June 2028 the fourth United Nations (U.N.) Ocean Conference.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Dec. 9 said the U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution approving Korea's co-hosting at the world body's headquarters in New York.

Under the resolution, Korea in June 2028 will host the main session of the conference while co-host Chile in 2027 will hold preliminary high-level meetings.

The plenary session in Korea to be held before 2030, the deadline for achieving the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals, is expected to serve as a crucial turning point in seeking a new path toward the global maritime cooperation system after that year.

The conference is the world's largest and highest-level gathering for maritime affairs held every three years. Some 15,000 people from 193 U.N. member states and international and non-government organizations attend to discuss global issues like ocean governance, environmental protection and marine resource management.

Both advanced and developing economies have co-hosted the event to stimulate inclusive and balanced talks. Following this tradition, Korea last year agreed to jointly host the conference with Chile and has since promoted the 2028 edition.

Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Chun Jae-soo said, "The fourth U.N. Ocean Conference will become an important milestone showing our government's commitment to making oceans healthier and more sustainable along with the international community."

margareth@korea.kr