Press Release  Santiago to Represent the United States at International Veterans Affairs Conference in South Korea

Boston — Massachusetts Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago will represent the United States at the 2024 International Conference on Veterans Affairs in Seoul, South Korea, a spokesperson for the Executive Office of Veterans Services announced today. As the only representative of a state-level veterans department at this significant global event hosted by South Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA), Secretary Santiago will be representing both Massachusetts and the country.

The conference, held from November 10-14, will bring together leaders in veterans' services worldwide to discuss best practices in veteran care. Secretary Santiago will deliver remarks immediately following the keynote address by the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Jung-ai that will focus on the importance of collaborative international support for veterans.

Alongside Assistant Secretary for Engagement & Outreach Cory Ahonen, Secretary Santiago will present on the comprehensive reforms in Massachusetts veterans’ services spearheaded by the Healey-Driscoll administration. Their presentation will highlight how the newly established Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) has rebuilt trust through community engagement, expanded services, innovative programming, and strategic partnerships, transitioning from crisis to becoming a model of transparency and responsiveness for veteran care.

“Massachusetts is setting a new standard in veterans’ care, driven by our commitment to transform services and restore trust,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Secretary Santiago’s leadership exemplifies the values of our administration—innovation and compassion—and his presence at this international conference is a testament to the progress we’re making together. We’re incredibly proud to see Massachusetts represented on the global stage.”

“Secretary Santiago and his team’s dedication to rebuilding veterans' services has made a powerful difference for our communities, and his invitation to speak internationally highlights the impact of his work,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This is a proud moment not only for our administration but for every Massachusetts veteran and their loved ones.”

“This is an incredible honor for Massachusetts and a testament to the work we’ve done to ensure that every veteran in our state receives the care and respect they deserve,” said Secretary Jon Santiago. “We look forward to sharing our experiences with leaders worldwide and exploring how we can learn from one another to improve veterans’ services globally.”

The conference agenda includes sessions in both Busan and Seoul, featuring countries such as France, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Thailand, which will share diverse approaches to veteran welfare and public-private partnerships. In addition to Massachusetts’ presentation, other special sessions will feature presentations by Italy and Germany that focus on veterans' welfare across diverse frameworks.

The creation of EOVS following the COVID-19 crisis at the Massachusetts Veterans Homes marked a pivotal shift in the state’s approach to veteran services. Massachusetts’ participation underscores the state’s national leadership in veteran services innovation, demonstrating the impact of proactive engagement, transparency, and reform on veteran support. Secretary Santiago’s contributions at the conference will help shape international policy dialogues aimed at raising the standards of care for veterans worldwide.

The 2024 International Conference on Veterans Affairs, part of South Korea’s broader efforts to expand veterans’ policy through international exchange, fosters collaboration among nations dedicated to supporting veterans, strengthening global alliances, and sharing impactful best practices. 

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