Busan Solidifies MICE Status Through by Hosting the 27th IAVE World Volunteer Conference

Nov. 27, 2024 - PRLog -- The 27th IAVE World Volunteer Conference took place in Busan from October 22 to 25, 2024, with the theme "People Power: Creating a Sustainable Future through Volunteering." The event gathered volunteers from 80 countries to emphasize the importance of volunteerism in addressing global challenges like climate change, education, and inequality. Through various sessions, participants shared their experiences and discussed how volunteer organizations can collaborate to create a positive social impact.

Busan, as the host city, played a crucial role in the success of the conference. The city's efforts to secure the event began with its application to the International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) in November 2022. Collaborating with the Busan Metropolitan City Volunteer Center, Busan demonstrated its capability to host international events, supported by its strong tourism infrastructure and excellent accessibility. As a result, Busan was selected as the host city in March 2023.

A major focus of the conference was sustainability, with the Busan Tourism Organization (BTO) setting up a booth made from eco-friendly materials to promote sustainable tourism. The BTO's efforts in organizing the event, along with the collaboration of various stakeholders, ensured a successful conference. Over a year of preparation went into making the event a reality, and it provided a platform for volunteers from around the world to set sustainable development goals that they continue to pursue.

The conference also highlighted the value of volunteerism on a global scale, fostering dialogues about the social impact of volunteering. Busan's role in hosting the event not only showcased the city's strengths in international collaboration but also reinforced its position as a hub for future MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. Moving forward, Busan plans to continue leveraging the momentum from the conference to enhance future international events and build on its reputation as a global center for volunteerism and sustainable development.