Building on the twenty years of achievements the World Ocean Forum has accumulated, "Ocean, Connect" embodies a commitment to shaping a new future for the ocean by bringing together what has long remained fragmented — ocean industry and technology, region and world, past and future.
In an era where rapid technological advancement and global uncertainty coexist, we aim to move beyond discussing shipbuilding, shipping, ports, and fisheries as separate industries, and instead use artificial intelligence and digital technology as a bridge to organically connect the ocean industry as a whole and pursue integrated solutions.
The theme also reflects a broader ambition: to link Korea and Eurasia through the Arctic sea route, and to center Busan as a hub connecting ocean experts and enterprises at home and abroad — government, industry, academia, and research institutions alike — to expand international cooperation and business networks.
"Connect" also signifies linking the twenty years behind the World Ocean Forum with the years ahead. Since its launch in 2007, the Forum has accumulated discussions and achievements that we intend to carry forward into the next generation and future industries — ensuring that the ideas raised at the Forum translate into real change in policy and industry practice.
To this end, the 20th World Ocean Forum moves away from the conventional structure of industry-specific, siloed sessions, and instead pursues a convergence-oriented program in which multiple ocean-related fields are linked under a single theme. Rather than simply sharing information, the Forum aspires to grow into a global platform that connects people and knowledge, technology and industry, discourse and action — one where we design a sustainable future for the ocean together.