Experts from 10 Countries to Gather on September 4
Discussing Strategies for Cultural and Tourism Development
The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo Organizing Committee (hereinafter referred to as the "Organizing Committee") will host the '2025 International Island Forum in Yeosu' to promote global consensus on the cultural value of islands and their sustainable development.
This forum, held in conjunction with the D-365 commemorative event for the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo, will take place over two days from September 4 to 5 at the Sono Calm Hotel in Yeosu, under the theme of "The Present and Future of Island Cultural Diversity."
Island experts from ten countries-including Korea, Greece, Taiwan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Japan, China, the Philippines, and Australia-will participate in the forum. They will share and discuss a variety of case studies together with island-related research institutions and local island residents.
The first day will feature an opening ceremony and a keynote speech by Professor Gloria Pungetti of the University of Sassari, Italy, on the topic of "Islandscape Biocultural Diversity and People Participation."
This will be followed by thematic presentations from domestic and international island experts on "The Current State and Changes in Island Cultural Diversity," as well as a comprehensive discussion on "Cultural Changes and Challenges Faced by Island Residents, and the Way Forward."
On the second day, sessions will be held under the themes "The Future of Island Cultural Diversity and Sustainable Tourism" and "Strategies for Island Regional Development through the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo."
Participants will share innovative cases of island tourism and propose practical development strategies linked to the Island Expo.
A representative from the Organizing Committee stated, "Through this Island Forum, we aim to showcase to the world that islands are not merely geographic spaces, but precious assets where unique cultures and ecologies coexist." The representative added, "We plan to establish this forum as an event of international stature."
Meanwhile, the D-365 commemorative event marking one year before the opening of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo will be held on September 5 at the Yeosu World Expo venue.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
