In June 2017, the United Nations gathered members of the international community to appeal for support in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. At this conference, PEMSEA was recognized as a significant regional body for its role in the East Asian region. PEMSEA’s work in scaling up the integrated coastal management in East Asia and partnerships with national and local governments, international organizations, intergovernmental institutions and other stakeholders were commended as relevant contributions to SDG 14. As PEMSEA celebrates its 6th East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress and 25th Anniversary, we aim to advance and align our commitment to the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia with the global ocean agenda. Through the 6th Ministerial Forum, we hope to engage ministers and heads of international institutions in a high-level dialogue to tackle persistent and emerging issues and to adopt the region’s next 5-year plan of action in support of scaling up the implementation of the region’s common sustainable development strategy. The EAS Congress 2018 is also a great opportunity for knowledge and experience sharing, partnership building, and collaborative planning with various participants from governments, organizations, the academe, the private sector, youth and women. On behalf of PEMSEA and the EAS Congress Secretariat, I highly encourage our East Asian partners and the international community to join us and be part of this historic event. Welcome to the EAS Congress 2018 and 25th Anniversary Celebration of PEMSEA!