The 2026 World Island Cities Conference Yeosu Korea opened Thursday and runs through Saturday, ahead of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo, which opens Saturday.
Held under the theme "Islands of the World, Promise for the Future," the conference has brought together officials and experts from island communities and international organizations for presentations and panel discussions.
On the opening day Thursday, Kiribati Minister of Internal Affairs and Culture Hari Tekaiiti delivered a keynote address, followed by presentations from representatives of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat, the Global Green Growth Institute and the Green Climate Fund.
On Friday, sessions featured a WHO official speaking on the health impacts of rising sea levels in island communities, along with presentations by representatives of UN Tourism, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and the UN Programme on Governance.
On Saturday, domestic and international participants will join linked programs, including a tour of the 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo venue and attendance at the opening ceremony.
The 2026 Yeosu World Islands Expo runs Saturday through Nov. 4 under the theme "Islands: Connecting the Sea and the Future," with the main venue at Dolsan Jinmo District in Yeosu and additional events on Gaedo and Geumodo islands.
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