Welcome from the General Chair

Dear Congress Attendees and Colleagues,

On behalf of the Organizing Committee of the IFAC World Congress 2026, I would like to express our deep gratitude for your participation in this world congress. After far more than three years of preparation, it is a great joy to welcome you at last to Busan.

Busan is Korea's second-largest city and its largest port — for well over a century, the country's gateway to the world. Set where the mountains meet the sea along the southeastern coast, it pairs sandy beaches such as Haeundae and Gwangalli with a lively harbor, fresh seafood, and the energy of events like the Busan International Film Festival. Korea itself offers a remarkable blended dynamics of tradition and innovation, from centuries-old palaces and temples to the technologies now shaping everyday life. Our venue, BEXCO, sits just minutes from the beaches, and we hope you will find time between sessions to enjoy all that the city has to offer.

I thank all the members of the Organizing Committee. In particular, I appreciate IFAC President Dongil "Dan" Cho, who took care of every detail of the Congress with wise decisions. I also thank the IPC Co-Chairs, Hyo-Sung Ahn and Hyoun Jin Kim, who did a tremendous job orchestrating this mammoth technical program. So many people devoted their effort to this event, and I remain deeply indebted to them all.

While I will not forget their service, I hope you will not forget your experience in Busan!
Thank you for participating.