Spirits are high in Seoul just days ahead of the forthcoming Nuclear Security Summit (NSS), where the South Korean capital looks forward to demonstrating its well-established track record for the successful hosting of major international events. While NSS 2012 is looking to be the nation’s largest-ever global conference with upwards of 20,000 delegates in attendance, Seoul is confident its track record for excellence will bring about another secure and profitable event for all concerned. 

The biennial conference, scheduled for March 26-27, will take place at Coex, the city’s largest conference venue. Ahead of the event, Seoul is also hosting the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Symposium and 2012 Seoul Nuclear Industry Summit, on March 23 and March 23-24 respectively. 

According to the event’s official website, Seoul was chosen to host the event due to its growing track record for successfully “securing the hosting of a whole range of international meetings in the economic, cultural and sports fields including the hosting of the 2010 G-20 Seoul Summit” (www.thenuclearsecuritysummit.org).

The 2010 G-20 Seoul Summit, was particularly notable for its tight security and smooth operation. This will be crucial for the Nuclear Security Summit, as it will bring together 53 heads of state (58 world leaders in total), including U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao – approximately twice the number of world leaders attending the 2010 Seoul G-20 Summit. 

Also in attendance will be heads of international organizations such as the U.N., the IAEA and the European Union, and INTERPOL. Approximately 20,000 delegates in total are expected to be present. 

First conducted in 2010, the NSS was created to discuss ways of combating nuclear proliferation and create international cooperative measures to protect nuclear materials and facilities from terrorist groups. 

During his address at the 2010 Nuclear Security Summit, Mr. Obama praised the decision to host NSS 2012 in Seoul, saying that it “reflects South Korea's leadership, regionally and globally.” 

Coex, boasting over 20 years’ experience in conducting international meetings, is long-accustomed to large-scale events, with the 2011 International Dragon Award and the 2011 World Congress Of Dermatology – both attended by well over 10,000 delegates – being recent examples.. 

For more information about the venue, contact mice@seoulwelcome.com or visit http://coex.co.kr/eng/