From the 25th to the 31st, seven days at BEXCO: First East Asian host in 28 years, Korea's first
First 'Busan Declaration' adopted... Global hub city for future Earth environment research
Opening ceremony at 2 p.m. on the 26th, attended by Mayor Park, President of the International Union of Geological Sciences, and Organizing Committee Chair
Busan City announced that the "2024 Busan World Geological Congress (The 37th International Geological Congress 2024)" will be held at BEXCO for seven days from the 25th to the 31st.
International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).
The event is hosted by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), and jointly organized by the city, the Geological Society of Korea, and the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, which make up the organizing committee.
The International Geological Congress is an event where geoscientists from around the world gather for academic presentations, exhibitions, and various academic activities. It is often called a grand festival for geoscientists worldwide and is held every four years, rotating among continents.
This year’s congress is being held in East Asia for the first time in 28 years since China in 1996, and it is the first time ever to be hosted in Korea. Moreover, as it is being held for the first time in eight years due to the aftermath of COVID-19, it is drawing significant attention from the global geological community, with a record-breaking attendance of over 7,000 participants expected.
This event is the result of eight years of preparation by the organizing committee, including the city, the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, and the Geological Society of Korea, since Busan was selected as the host city in 2016. In addition to academic events, a variety of side events have been prepared to ensure that participants from around the world visiting Busan have a fulfilling experience.
Under the theme "The Great Travelers: Voyages to the Unifying Earth," the congress plans to explore various geological aspects of the Earth through over 3,000 academic presentations and more than 200 exhibitions.
In addition to academic events for the scientific community, a variety of side events for citizens will be held to raise interest and understanding of geological science.
The academic presentations will include sessions on major national science and technology policies such as resources (strategic minerals), nuclear power and radioactive waste safety, planetary geology, and carbon neutrality.
In particular, a special academic symposium by Korea National Oil Corporation on deep-sea exploration in the Ulleung Basin of the East Sea and a special session on planetary geology will attract significant attention from the academic community.
Alongside the academic presentations, public events such as a geology film festival and exhibitions will be held. The geology film festival, taking place at Busan Cinema Center from the 26th to the 30th, will offer free screenings of films such as "Ashfall," "Haeundae," "Concrete Utopia," and "The Moon." On the 27th at 7 p.m., there will be a "Science Talk" and film screening with director Yoon Je-kyun of "Haeundae" and critic Jung Ji-wook.
Additionally, "Bukyunggosaurus," discovered and reported by the excavation team at Pukyong National University, will be on display at BEXCO during the congress to commemorate the 200th anniversary of dinosaur research, having been moved from the university library.
Geological field trips to major geological sites in Korea are also being offered to participants. Preliminary field trips took place from the 20th to the 24th, and additional trips are scheduled during the congress (August 27-29) and after its conclusion (August 31-September 4).
Of particular note, the closing ceremony at BEXCO on August 30 at 5 p.m. will feature the adoption of the "Busan Declaration," the first of its kind at the congress, pledging scientific cooperation on global environmental change and future crisis response, with Busan as a hub. This is expected to establish Busan as a leading global city for research on future changes to the Earth's environment.
The opening ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on the 26th at the BEXCO Auditorium. Mayor Park, John Ludden, President of the International Union of Geological Sciences, Chung Dae-gyo, Chair of the IGC 2024 Organizing Committee, Lee Pyunggu, President of the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Kim Youngseok, President of the Geological Society of Korea, as well as officials from the city council, Busan Tourism Organization, BEXCO, and other related organizations will attend to celebrate the opening.
John Ludden, President of the International Union of Geological Sciences.
The city expects that this congress will serve as an opportunity to showcase the outstanding geological heritage of the Busan National Geopark to the world, and will contribute not only to geology but also to the revitalization of tourism and the cultural industry.
Jung Dae Kyo, Chairperson of the IGC 2024 Organizing Committee.
For more detailed information about the congress, please refer to the official website.
Mayor Park Hyungjun stated, "I feel immense joy and pride that Busan is the historic venue for the first-ever World Geological Congress to be held in Korea," and added, "With the adoption of the first-ever 'Busan Declaration' at the congress, we will provide our utmost support for international communication and cooperation so that the world can open the door to a sustainable future with Busan as a hub. This congress will be a crucial opportunity for Korea to establish itself as an emerging powerhouse in the field of geological sciences in East Asia. The city and related organizations will work together seamlessly to ensure a safe and successful event."
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