This release originally appeared on the Pacific Century Institute website.
Los Angeles, CA - The Pacific Century Institute (PCI) held its Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the iconic The Beverly Hills Hotel. The evening brought together leaders from government, academia, and the policy community to celebrate individuals and organizations dedicated to strengthening understanding across the Pacific Rim.
This year, PCI presented its Building Bridges Award to James T. Laney, former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, and to National Committee on North Korea (NCNK), represented by its President, Keith Luse. The award recognizes those who exemplify PCI’s mission of bringing the people of the Pacific Rim closer together through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding.
The evening opened with welcoming remarks from PCI Chair Kathleen Stephens, former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea. The program was emceed by Ambassador Raymond Burghardt, while the benediction was delivered by Matthew G. Elshoff, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles for the Our Lady of the Angels Pastoral Region.
PCI Board Member Charles Morrison introduced Ambassador Laney, recognizing his decades of leadership in U.S.–Korea relations. Although Ambassador Laney was unable to attend in person, his daughters accepted the award on his behalf, and his recorded remarks were warmly received by the audience.
In his message, Ambassador Laney reflected on nearly eight decades of engagement with Korea, beginning with his arrival in the country as a young U.S. Army counterintelligence officer shortly after World War II. He spoke about witnessing Korea’s remarkable transformation from a war-torn nation into one of the world’s most prosperous democracies—often described as the “Miracle on the Han.” He emphasized the enduring importance of strong bridges of understanding between the United States and Korea, while also noting the challenges and evolving dynamics in international relations.
PCI Board Member Robert Carlin introduced the second honoree, NCNK. In accepting the award, NCNK President Keith Luse highlighted the organization’s more than twenty years of work fostering informed dialogue and principled engagement related to North Korea.
Originally established as a humanitarian bridge between the United States and North Korea, NCNK has become a leading network of experts—including nuclear scientists, former government officials, humanitarian aid workers, and scholars—dedicated to improving understanding of the Korean Peninsula. Luse emphasized the importance of dialogue and accurate information in reducing the risk of conflict and promoting more effective policymaking.
"Our work is rooted in the belief that engagement and understanding are essential to preventing conflict,” Luse said. “Greater dialogue among all stakeholders is critical to reducing tensions and avoiding miscalculation on the Korean Peninsula."
The evening concluded with a celebration of the enduring importance of dialogue, cooperation, and leadership in strengthening relationships across the Pacific community.