A U.S. think tank Asain Society named former South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha as the new president and CEO of the foundation. Asia Society’s board of trustees announced the decision on Jan. 24.
“Throughout her career in public service, Dr. Kang has focused on the values of human dignity and peace. As Foreign Minister, she led Korea’s efforts to strengthen peace and co-prosperity in Asia, working closely with counterparts in Asia and around the world.” the organization said in a statement.
In a statement, Kang said, “Since its founding, Asia Society has been the world’s leading non-profit organization to enhance knowledge and understanding about Asia and create bridges between the region and the rest of the world. Today, that mandate is more important than ever.”
The Asia Society is a non-profit, non-political international organization founded by John D. Rockefeller 3rd in 1956 to promote understanding and strengthen ties between the United States and Asia.
Kang has held key positions at the United Nations, including UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) under Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs under Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and Senior Advisor on policy under current Secretary-General António Guterres.
