The 2019 GCS International Board of Trustees Meeting was held at the GCS International headquarters in Seoul, Korea on January 24, 2019.

At the board meeting, the board members unanimously approved the 2018 income-expenditure report and the 2019 budget and business plans.

The board approved the appointment of Dr. Koh Young-suk of Korea, a professor of the Department of Economics of Mokpo National University, as a new board member of GCS International. The participants also approved the appointment of Dr. Selma Li of the United States, an adjunct professor of OHSU Medical Hospital, and Mr. Li Xian Hu of China, chairman of SICO-KC, as new operating board members.

In commemoration of the 40^th anniversary of the founding of GCS International and the 2019 U.N. International Day of Peace, the board gave the green light to the 2019 GCS International Convention and related events on September 21, 2019 at Chosun University in Gwangju, Korea. Among the Sept. 21 related events are the GCS International Peace Conference, the 2019 Gwangju World Peace Walkathon, the GCS Peace Concert and taekwondo demonstrations.

The Seoul-based GCS International plans to deliver development funds this year to several developing countries such as Cambodia, Nepal and Sri Lanka, while organizing walkathons and other fund-raising events in and outside Korea.

At the board meeting, GCS International Secretary General Seok-jae Kang reported that he will do his utmost to activate GCS International committees, especially the GCS Culture and Arts Committee and the Dojang Committee.

The board unanimously approved Dr. Suh Wann-suck of Korea, a senior journalist; Korean Prof. Kenneth S. Park of Seoul Arts College; and Mr. Kim Yong-goo of Korea, a former bank executive, as advisors to GCS International President Chungwon Choue.

At the end of the board meeting, GCS International President Choue delivered Dr. Selma Li and Mr, Li Xian Hu a plaque of appointment as operating board members. Dr. Choue also delivered the GCS Portland, USA Chapter flag to Dr. Selma Li, new president of the GCS Portland, USA Chapter. The GCS Portland regional chapter was unofficially launched in November 2018. The official inauguration ceremony is expected to take place in early March this year.

“GCS International made much progress in 2018 with various activities, including the 2018 Jeju World Peace Walkathon and the inauguration of the GCS Cambodia National Chapter, and much more are expected in 2019, which marks the 40^th anniversary of the founding of GCS International,” said GCS International President Choue at the board meeting.