The 9th Youth Leadership Forum, organized to provide opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills, was successfully held at the Akola Church in New Jersey from the 5th to the 6th.
The forum, hosted by the Youth Leadership Education Committee (co-chairs Sunwoo Inho and Jeong Kwanghyun) and sponsored by the Overseas Koreans Agency, focused on fostering the growth of Korean American youth from 5th to 12th grade into global leaders and developing leadership that can have a positive impact on society.
In particular, the 'Student Ambassador Program' introduced since last year has received a great response from participants. The student ambassadors selected through the program have had the opportunity to gain practical leadership experience by actively participating in program planning and execution as small group leaders. In addition, the Youth Education Committee has been operating a scholarship system since 2023, awarding a scholarship to Eric Kim, a student ambassador who is entering college this year, and encouraging future activities as a Collegiate Leader.
The theme of the 9th forum is 'The Importance of Protecting the Earth's Environment', where participating students raised awareness about the environment through various inquiry activities, discussions, and presentation sessions, and contemplated practical ways to protect the environment in their daily lives.
The program is richly composed of lectures, leadership workshops, small group project activities and presentations, and awards for outstanding projects.
This forum featured experts from various fields, including Dr. Charles Cho (York University, Erivan K. Haub Chair in Business & Sustainability), Dr. Shin-Young Kim (Deputy Director of the Christian Environmental Education Center, Drew Theological School), and Edward Kim CPA (Tax Partner), who provided practical and in-depth insights to the youth.
A student who participated in the forum said, "It was a meaningful time to go beyond simple leadership lectures and learn what true leadership is by participating directly and collaborating with team members."
The co-chair of the Youth Leadership Education Committee, Sunwoo Inho, the principal of KCPC United Korean School, stated, "A total of 16 participants, including 13 students and accompanying teachers, participated in Atlanta." He added, "I hope that the youth, who are the main players in future society, will grow further through this forum and develop into leaders who have a positive influence on society."
Meanwhile, the Youth Leadership Forum is held annually, aiming to cultivate leadership that encompasses the character, creativity, and sense of community of the next generation of Korean youth.
Yoon Soo-young Chief Reporter
