Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Trinidad and Tobago, in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Trinidad and Tobago Office, held the “Ocean-based Climate Action Seminar” on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business.

The seminar was organized to discuss ocean-based climate change responses and the development of the blue economy, particularly in the context of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Over one hundred participants from the government, academia, the private sector, youth, and civil society joined the event both online and in person.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Seijoong Kwon stated, “Although geographically distant, the Caribbean Sea and the Northwest Pacific, which surrounds the Korean Peninsula, are connected through an oceanic ecosystem. Every small action matters, and I hope this seminar will lead to concrete efforts for ocean conservation and the realization of the blue economy.”

Dr. Ava Maxam, Director of IMA, highlighted that 70 percent of the Caribbean population resides along the coast and emphasized the importance of collaboration among the government, private sector, academia, youth, and civil society to address climate change and environmental threats. Ms. Miosotis Rivas Peña, Director of ECLAC, noted that if the ocean economy were a sovereign nation, it would rank as the world’s fifth largest, underlining the critical challenges faced by SIDS due to climate change. In his keynote address, Senator Dr. the Hon. Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs, and Development, emphasized that the blue economy holds potential to create new industries and jobs. He recognized Korea’s experience as a model for regional cooperation in the Caribbean and expressed appreciation for the Sandy Shorelines Project, a coastal restoration initiative supported by Korea.

The seminar featured panels and presentations on diverse topics, including blue finance, marine renewable energy, digital ocean management, climate change response and marine conservation strategies, providing a platform for both policy and practical solutions. Participants pledged their efforts to develop diverse policies and take collaborative measures for ocean-based climate action in the Caribbean, marking a step forward in promoting sustainable blue economy development in the region and strengthening practical cooperation with Korea.