In response to current international developments, National Taiwan Ocean University and the Ocean Affairs Council held the "2023 International Conference on Current Marine Affairs and Policy" on July 31st. The conference aimed to comprehend the development and analysis of marine affairs in various countries and strengthen the formulation of relevant strategies in our country. Minister Kuan Bi-Ling of the Ocean Affairs Council expressed her gratitude to the team at National Taiwan Ocean University for hosting the conference, providing continuous support in marine expertise. She also emphasized that gender mainstreaming was a significant focus of the symposium, as marine affairs have been transformed with the inclusion of women. She looked forward to more female participation in the marine field and stressed the importance of marine conservation. The conference offered the latest trends in international marine development and delved into in-depth discussions on security developments in Taiwan's surrounding waters, receiving a significant response.

President Hsu Tai-Wen stated that National Taiwan Ocean University serves as a cradle for nurturing high-level talents in the marine field and an important think tank that assists government departments in analyzing relevant issues. He expressed his honor in collaborating with the Ocean Affairs Council to analyze global marine situations. Given Taiwan's strategic position as a key maritime hub, developments in global marine affairs are highly relevant to our maritime interests. Therefore, it is crucial to grasp the rapidly changing situation, respond promptly, and safeguard our national security, public order, and peace. Additionally, as the world has entered a new stage of zero carbon emissions, and with the 30x30 global marine protection target, the university will continue to assist in charting a path towards a sustainable ocean.

The conference was organized under the Bachelor's Degree Program in Ocean Law and Policy at National Taiwan Ocean University and invited experts from Vision Foundation, Taiwan International Law Society, Taiwan Conservation and Sustainable Fisheries Foundation, and research institutions including Academia Sinica, National Cheng Kung University, National Chengchi University, National Sun Yat-sen University, National Police University, National Quemoy University, Fu Jen Catholic University, and Nanhua University, as well as experts from Australia, South Korea, and the United States, to attend and participate.

The conference focused on global marine affairs development trends (including gender mainstreaming) and emerging marine issues. It aimed to explore science and innovation-based responses for sustainable ocean development, sound governance systems, balanced gender participation in marine affairs, and also to discuss situational developments in Taiwan's surrounding waters, including the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait. Through exchange and brainstorming, the conference aimed to jointly provide strategic recommendations for creating an ecological, secure, and prosperous sustainable ocean nation.

National Taiwan Ocean University possesses a strong professional team and will continue to foster excellent teaching and distinctive research to analyze domestic and international marine dynamics. The Bachelor's Degree Program in Ocean Law and Policy aims to cultivate basic talents in marine law, maritime policies, and marine affairs, offering high-quality marine law and policy education and expertise, laying a solid foundation for the nation's marine policies.