The Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST, President Hong Gi-hoon) announced that a seminar commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Equatorial Ocean Forum will be held at the Korean Chamber of Commerce located in Jung-gu, Seoul, at 14:00 on April 20, 2017.

Hosted by the Equatorial Ocean Forum and managed by KIOST, the seminar will provide a venue for presentations and discussions based on various themes related to the future direction of ODA policy on oceans and fisheries by some 70 domestic ocean experts.

The goal of the seminar is to develop ODA projects that promote the establishment of mutually beneficial cooperative relationships with coastal and island countries in equatorial oceans. The event will begin with four presentations, including one on an implementation strategy for grant aid in the era of SDGs and proposals for oceans and fisheries; one on a strategy and vision for ODA related to oceans and fisheries for 2017; and one on the performance of ODA projects in the area of ocean science and technology and future plans.

In the open discussions that will follow the presentations, participants will engage in in-depth exchanges of information and opinions on climate change responses and effective means of international cooperation.

President Hong commented, “Today, the international community, especially the coastal and island countries in the equatorial oceans, is calling on Korea to use its ocean science expertise and technological prowess to contribute to efforts in this field.” He went on to say, “I hope the lively discussions held at this seminar will help us improve Korea’s oceans and fisheries policies as well.”