Minister Jeon Jae-su Visits US to Secure Hosting of 2028 UN Ocean Conference

All-Out Effort for Adoption of South Korea-Chile Joint Hosting Resolution
Visiting New York from December 6 to 11; Explanatory Statement at UN General Assembly
Aiming for Asia’s First Hosting... "Expecting Leadership in Governance"

Jeon Jae-su, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, will visit New York, United States, from December 6 to December 11, 2025, to secure the adoption of a resolution for the joint hosting of the 4th United Nations Ocean Conference by South Korea and Chile in 2028. The United Nations Ocean Conference is the largest and highest-level international meeting in the maritime sector, held every three years. If South Korea secures the hosting rights, it will become the first Asian country to host the event.

Minister Jeon announced on December 6 that he will deliver an explanatory statement on the resolution at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on December 8. He also plans to host a reception inviting representatives of UN member states to actively promote the necessity of joint hosting and South Korea’s hosting capabilities.

Jeon Jae-su, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries. Photo by Jo Yongjun

On December 9, he will meet with Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) at the United Nations, to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU). With this MOU, both sides will establish a cooperative framework for the successful hosting of future United Nations Ocean Conferences. They also plan to discuss ways to expand cooperation in the field of ocean governance.

During his stay in New York, Minister Jeon will also meet with local stakeholders from the shipping, logistics, and fisheries industries. He will directly listen to the local sentiment in the United States regarding the recently concluded Korea-US customs negotiations, as well as the industry’s response strategies and challenges, with the aim of reflecting these insights in future government policies.

Minister Jeon stated, “If our country hosts the United Nations Ocean Conference, it will be the first time for Asia,” adding, “I hope that this United Nations Ocean Conference will serve as an opportunity for South Korea to play a leading role in global ocean governance.”