Kim was on hand at Honam University to launch the second year of the programme with 33 youths aged between 18 and 25 years old from 17 nations from the Asia-Oceania region.

Global sports education non-Governmental organisation Right to Play will run the programme in Gwangju, which continues until August 30.

Over the 12 days, participants will take part in various sports activities, including taekwondo, volleyball, football and swimming, while there will also be special lectures and workshops on sports, peace, disability, gender equality and education.

These will form part of an overall review of the UN's Millennium Development Goals, which aim to 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 and global partnership for development.

The participants will also take part in the EPICS (Environment, Peace, IT, Culture) Forum being held on August 27, which is aimed at delivering the values of the Gwangju Universiade.

Participants will take part in a range of activities across 12 days on the Youth Leadership Programme ©Gwangju 2015




Kim was joined at the orientation by Suh Kang-suk, President of Honam University.

"This year's edition of the Youth Leadership Programme will provide an opportunity for the participants to strengthen their physical health through various sports programmes as well as review the UN's values, such as equality in men and overcoming disabilities," Kim said.

"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 South Korea."

More than 20,000 participants from 170 countries are expected to take part in next year's Summer Universiade in Gwangju, which will be held from July 3 to 14.

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