#South Korea #Seoul #SDGs #GEEF 2025 #Yonsei University

GEEF 2025: A Platform for Global Change

Yonsei University is poised to host the groundbreaking Global Engagement Empowerment Forum (GEEF) 2025 from March 13 to 14, 2025. This ambitious event will bring together 83 speakers from 14 countries under the theme "Time for Action: Bridging Divides for a Sustainable Future."

The forum aims to tackle the pressing challenge of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With global progress stagnating at a mere 17%, as noted after the UN General Assembly in September 2024, the urgency of this forum is palpable. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is set to deliver a powerful statement emphasizing the necessity for global cooperation and innovation in this mission. He believes that GEEF 2025 is a pivotal opportunity to not only discuss but also to identify actionable solutions to these persistent challenges.

Among the distinguished speakers is celebrated Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, known for his pioneering work on microfinance, and Denis Mukwege, a champion for women's rights and healthcare in conflict zones. The event is expected to attract over 2,000 participants from more than 80 countries, reflecting a diverse and inclusive audience dedicated to sustainable change.

Key Discussions and Initiatives

The forum will feature dynamic sessions focused on actionable outcomes. Both Ban Ki-moon and other prominent leaders will engage in discussions surrounding key issues such as the climate crisis and poverty alleviation.

In addition, GEEF 2025 will introduce a 'Great Minds Special Conversation' where influential figures such as Chang Yong Rhee, Governor of the Bank of Korea, and Jim Yong Kim, former President of the World Bank Group, will discuss economic divides and the need for structural reforms.

Moreover, prominent activists, including former Foreign Minister Kyung-wha Kang, actress and environmental advocate Jin Hee Park, and youth climate activist Jeah Han, are set to present innovative solutions addressing gender gaps and promoting climate initiatives. The forum will provide a stage for 24 diverse sessions tackling issues from extreme poverty to technological disparities, striving to overcome especially stark divides in society, such as those based on gender, generational, and digital competencies.

Innovative Solutions Through Technology

GEEF 2025 aims not only to foster discussions but also to catalyze commitment towards practical solutions, especially in harnessing artificial intelligence and digital technologies. As technology plays a pivotal role in connecting communities, the forum will explore how data-driven solutions can bridge social gaps and promote sustainable governance across various sectors.

A critical component of the forum includes the establishment of the Ban Ki-moon International Fellowship, a program dedicated to nurturing future leaders from developing nations. This initiative aligns with the urgent need for responsible and informed global citizenship in today's interconnected landscape.

As Yonsei University celebrates its 140th anniversary, President Dong-Sup Yoon has reiterated the institution's commitment to cultivating an educational ecosystem that fosters collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas. The university recently ranked 11th globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, showcasing its dedication to achieving significant social impact and furthering the SDGs.

Join the Movement

GEEF 2025 will also be live-streamed through the official Institute for Global Engagement Empowerment’s YouTube channel, allowing even more individuals to witness and engage with the forums' discussions. Interested individuals can register on the official website by March 6, or sign up on-site during the event.

As the world faces unprecedented challenges, GEEF 2025 stands out as a beacon of hope and collaboration, urging leaders and citizens alike to take actionable steps toward a sustainable future. For further details, visit www.geef-sd.org

Together, through shared insights and commitments to sustainable practices, we can bridge the divides and forge a more inclusive and resilient world.