GEO Blue Planet held its 6th Symposium from 31 October to 2 November 2023 in Seoul, Korea. Themed Digital Solutions for Sustainable Oceans, the symposium was specifically geared towards improving GEO Blue Planet’s engagement with Asian nations to expand the Earth observation community of practice, strengthen local capacity and provide access to resources, tools, and services.

The in-person event featured slenary sessions centered on the GEO Blue Planet Core Action Areas of Stakeholder Engagement, Cooperation, and Co-design and Capacity Development. Additionally, it included multiple sessions on Korean Marine Spatial Planning (K-MSP) and digital solutions for marine sustainability, thematic workshops, and a highly interactive symposium forum.

The event was organised by the GEO Blue Planet Secretariat with support from the US, Asia and EU Offices, with substantial support from local hosts, including the Korea Maritime Institute, which hosts GEO Blue Planet’s Asian Office, the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency and the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology. The fruitful event brought together over 100 participants from 20 different countries and diverse sectors (research institutions, government agencies, international and regional bodies, the private sector and universities.