History of EAS Congress:
The Haikou Partnership Agreement on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) signed by the 11 East Asian Seas Countries during the Second Ministerial Forum at Haikou City, China, in December 2006 adopted the East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress as one of the four major operating mechanisms of PEMSEA.
Key Features of the EAS Congress:
Ministerial Forum
The Ministerial Forum involves Ministers of the relevant government agencies or PEMSEA focal agencies in East Asian Seas countries. The Ministerial Forum provides policy directions and commitments for improving and strengthening the implementation of the SDS-SEA.
International Conference
The International Conference features plenary and parallel sessions on key thematic areas on oceans and coasts, ranging from research, threats and challenges and innovations to policy and solutions. It is open to various stakeholders within and outside the East Asian Seas region including policymakers, local and national government representatives, resource and economic managers, scientists, members of the academe, private or business sectors, youth and community representatives, development organizations and funding institutions.
Exhibition
The Exhibition is conducted in parallel with the International Conference. It showcases innovative solutions, approaches and good practices contributing to the sustainable development of oceans and coasts both globally and regionally. The Exhibit is closely linked to the International Conference workshops and seminars, providing an interactive venue for Congress participants.
Youth Forum
The Youth Forum is comprised of youth (aged 21 to 35) from the countries of the East Asian Seas region. The Youth Forum provides a venue for the youth to share their experiences, learn more about the issues on coastal and marine environment and identify areas where the youth can play a significant role and contribute in the sustainable development of oceans and coasts around the region. This year’s Youth Forum will be conducted as a pre-Congress event from 15 to 19 April 2024, in partnership with the Korean National Ocean Science Museum in Uljin City, Korea.
Partnership Night
The Partnership Night is a social event that provides EAS Congress partners and participants with an opportunity to meet in an informal setting and celebrate the accomplishments of the collaborations established in line with the implementation of the SDS-SEA. The Partnership Night also serves as a venue to recognize outstanding individuals, learning sites, local governments and organizations for their contribution to the SDS-SEA and meeting the criteria on PEMSEA certified codes (i.e., ICM Code, PSHEM Code).
PEMSEA Network of Local Governments Annual Forum
The PEMSEA Network of Local Governments (PNLG) Annual Forum is the yearly gathering of PNLG members to discuss the governance and operational aspects of the network and hold a learning event on PNLG members’ experiences, best practices and innovative ways to address persistent and emerging challenges besetting local governments in their coastal and marine management and development.
PEMSEA Network of Learning Centers General Assembly
Every third year in-line with the EAS Congress, the PEMSEA Network of Learning Centers (PNLC) holds its general assembly as a side event of the Congress, convening learning centers and regional centers of excellence from the East Asian Seas region for a joint learning event with the PNLG.
