From May 28 to 30, 2025, Jeju Island, South Korea, hosted the 20th Jeju Forum under the theme “Harnessing Innovation for Peace and Shared Prosperity.” Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea and the Jeju Free International City Development Center, the forum marked a dual milestone: the 20th anniversary of Jeju Island’s designation as an “Island of World Peace” and two decades of the Jeju Forum’s commitment to global dialogue and cooperation.
This year’s forum convened over 1,000 delegates from around the world to explore innovative solutions to global challenges. Discussions spanned peacebuilding, economic collaboration, climate action, technological advancement, and youth engagement—each contributing to a shared vision of a sustainable and inclusive future.
One of the key sessions, “Blue-Green Synergy: Enhancing Climate Resilience in the Asia-Pacific Region,” was held on May 28 at the International Convention Center Jeju. This 90-minute session focused on sustainable pathways to climate resilience through blue-green growth, a concept that integrates ocean-based (blue) and land-based (green) strategies for sustainable development.
Hosted by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the session featured a diverse panel of experts and institutions:
- Bora Lee, Research Official at the Mangrove Research Center of the National Institute of Forest Science, opened the session by presenting international joint research on mangrove forests as a nature-based solution to climate adaptation.
- Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, Director of Trade & Investment Facilitation at the Mekong Institute, shared insights from the Mekong-ROK Cooperation Fund (MKCF), highlighting projects that bridge development gaps through sustainable, regionally integrated approaches.
- Sylvester C. Sales, representing the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), discussed Mindanao’s strategic vision to become a dynamic, inclusive island economy rooted in sustainability.
- A representative from the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI) also contributed perspectives on Korea’s blue economy initiatives.
Moderated by Hakseok Ryu, Director of Partnerships and Governance at GGGI, the session emphasized practical case studies and innovative strategies that can be scaled across the Asia-Pacific region. The dialogue underscored the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration and regional partnerships in building climate resilience.
The 20th Jeju Forum reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for fostering peace and prosperity through innovation. By bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, and practitioners, the forum continues to inspire actionable solutions and collaborative efforts that transcend borders.
