The International Symposium was held under the theme « Our Changing Ocean: Innovation & Opportunities ». It was yet another occasion to gather experts around the Expo theme and to address more specifically issues related to maritime industry and explore strategies for its sustainable development respectful of the environment. Held exactly one year before the opening date of the Expo, this symposium has presented the ocean through the perspective of technological innovation and creative management. The Expo 2012 Yeosu will be held in Yeosu from May 12th to August 12th 2012 under the theme « The Living Ocean and Coast ».

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the BIE Secretary General, Vicente G. Loscertales, recalled that "The Living Ocean and Coast" reflects a concrete and urgent challenge the whole world is facing. One that, as the title of the symposium highlights, carries with it many opportunities for innovation. Each Expo Forum offers a glimpse of the future Expo by bringing together international experts and participants to advance the understanding of the theme. In turn, this is an opportunity to sharpen the vision of the Expo and of the content it should offer to the visitors.

The keynote speeches were made by Kwak Seung-jun, Chairman of the Presidential Council for Future and Vision, on Korea's future business management strategies and the ocean, and Kim Joo-hyung, President of the LG Economic Research Institute, on the survival and management in the global economy."

A special session on global fisheries trends and future prospects included a presentation by Árni M. Mathiesen, Assistant Director General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

A great number of leading figures and experts attended the fifth symposium and addressed a wide range of topics contributing with messages and ideas to the making of Expo 2012 Yeosu.