Gwangju Universiade-UN Youth Leadership Programme begins

The Youth Leadership Programme (YLP), a UN-Gwangju joint project, officially began with the orientation on the 19th at the Honam University campus. The program will be run by the global sports education NGO, Right to Play.

The YLP is being held in Gwangju for the second time with 33 participants from 17 nations in the Oceania region, including Korea, China, Nepal, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand and so on. The camp will be held for 12 days until the 30th, and participants will take part in various sports activities, such as taekwondo, volleyball, football, and swimming, and review the UN’s Millennium Development Goals* through education programs on gender equality, peace, overcoming disabilities.

* UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG): Eight Millennium development goals that was agreed by all the world's countries and the world's leading development institutions △eradicate extreme poverty and hunger △achieve universal primary education △promote gender equality and empower women △reduce child mortality △improve maternal health △combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases △ensure environmental sustainability △ global partnership for development

At the orientation, Kim Yoon-suk, Secretary General of 2015 Gwangju Universiade Organizing Committee, and Suh Kang-suk, President of Honam University, welcomed and encouraged the participants.

Through his welcoming address, Secretary General Kim Yoon-suk said, "This year’s edition of the YLP will provide an opportunity for the participants to strengthen their physical health through various sports programs as well as review the UN’s values, such as equality in men and overcoming disabilities." He also added, "I also hope that the participants will be able to get Gwangju known throughout the world when they go back home after experiencing the rich traditional culture of Korea."

Meanwhile, the YLP participants will also take part in the EPICS Forum being held on the 27th and present about the YLP.

For more information contact:Office of Press Secretary, 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade Organizing Committee / byunhs@gwangju2015.com

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