The 2024 Korea Safety Expo (K-SAFETY EXPO 2024) opened its doors on September 10 at BEXCO in Busan, marking a significant milestone in the field of disaster safety management. Organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety of Korea and Busan Metropolitan City, the three-day event aimed to showcase and promote advanced disaster safety products and technologies, with a particular focus on scientific disaster management and the future of the disaster safety industry.
This year's expo, celebrating its 10th anniversary, took on a global perspective by inviting an unprecedented number of international guests, including government representatives from Brunei and Mongolia, officials from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, and over 100 international buyers. The event's expansion reflects the growing recognition of disaster safety as a critical global concern, especially in light of increasingly complex and diverse safety challenges posed by climate change and rapid industrial advancements.
A key feature of the expo was the ICT/Climate Disaster Special Zone, where seven companies and organizations presented state-of-the-art technologies. Notable exhibits included a Digital Twin Water Management Platform by K-Water, a wildfire detection and response solution by Cudo Communication, and a stratospheric disaster surveillance drone from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). These innovations underscore the pivotal role of artificial intelligence, big data, and robotics in modern disaster management strategies.
The event also facilitated crucial business connections through various consultation meetings. The Disaster Safety Business Consultation Meeting connected 116 purchasing companies from 18 countries with over 180 expo exhibitors, potentially opening new markets for Korean disaster safety technologies. Additionally, a Major Corporations and Public Institutions Purchasing Consultation Meeting brought together 58 participating companies and 38 major Korean corporations and public institutions, fostering domestic market growth in the sector.
Accompanying the expo was the K-Safety Conference 2024, which included the inaugural Global Disaster Safety Business Forum, a Disaster Safety International Development Cooperation (ODA) Forum, and an International Disaster Cooperation Seminar. These events provided platforms for knowledge exchange and international collaboration in disaster safety management.
The expo also emphasized public engagement and education, featuring interactive programs like the Children's Safety AI Competition and the 'Challenge! Children's Safety Golden Bell Quiz'. These initiatives highlight the importance of raising safety awareness among younger generations and integrating modern technologies into safety education.
Minister Sang-min Lee emphasized the critical nature of scientific disaster management in protecting public safety, especially in a rapidly evolving disaster safety landscape. The minister's statement underscores the government's commitment to advancing the disaster safety industry and its recognition of the sector's vital role in national security and public welfare.
The comprehensive nature of the expo, covering areas from disaster prevention and fire safety to industrial safety and public safety services, reflects the multifaceted approach required in modern disaster management. The inclusion of special zones for ICT/Climate Disaster and global disaster safety companies further emphasizes the international and technological focus of the event.
As climate change continues to exacerbate natural disasters and industrial advancements create new safety challenges, the innovations showcased at the Korea Safety Expo 2024 represent critical tools in enhancing global disaster resilience. The event's focus on scientific approaches and cutting-edge technologies signals a shift towards more proactive and efficient disaster management strategies, potentially saving lives and reducing economic losses from future calamities.
