Increasingly, universities around the world play key role in advancing the cause of humanity. In this regard, Kyung Hee University of the Republic of Korea has consistently played a major role, through education, training and international level dialoguing, in promoting the cause of peace and development. By sponsoring international conferences, forums and by bringing international actors together, the University has demonstrated the value of social mobilization in achieving these goals of peace and social justice. Among its other achievements, the University initiated the United Nations International Year of Peace in 1986 and the subsequent annual Day of Peace, and the 1999 Seoul International NGO Conference.

In the context of several international declarations and resolutions including the adoption of the Millennium Declaration, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) is spearheading initiatives to debate and strengthen both the concept as well as practical aspects of civic engagement in socio-economic development.