Dear Colleagues,

I am privileged to serve as Co-Chair of the Conference. It is expected to attract over 2000 NGO representatives and civil society partners from around the globe. Attendees will collaborate upon a wide spectrum of education initiatives and adopt a declaration aimed at advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The fact that the Conference will take place in the Republic of Korea is meaningful, especially in relation to the Conference’s theme on education. In the midst of political instability during the Korean War (1950-1953), Koreans were well aware of the value of education and parents sent their children to temporary schools, while the government continued to emphasize the value of education. Since then, education has helped achieve the rapid socioeconomic development that ultimately moved Korea from the status of developing country to membership in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Korea stan

ds today as a prime example of education’s transformative power.

At this opportune time, it is a great honor for the Republic of Korea to host the 66th UN DPI/NGO Conference, where global civil society will gather with the common purpose to mobilize and participate in accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals.

I look forward to welcoming you to Gyeongju, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site.

Co-Chair of the 66th UN DPI/NGO Conference

Dream Touch for All advocates a holistic approach to education. It offers students academic guidance and tools to develop an interest in global issues. Its mission is to train future leaders who will readily take on the responsibilities of addressing international challenges.

Dr. YuKang Choi has been named Co-Chair of the 66th UN DPI/NGO Conference.  He is the founder and CEO of Dream Touch for All (DTFA), an educational organization aimed in improving access to quality education for underprivileged students in Korea. Dr. Choi earned a BA in International Studies at Handong Global University, a MPP (Master in Public Policy) at Harvard Kennedy School, and an Ed.D. at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development.