GEEF

The 2026 Global Engagement and Empowerment Forum on Sustainable Development (GEEF), themed Time for Action: Emerging Technology & Global Solidarity will convene global leaders, innovators, and experts to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies can advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As society approaches the “technological singularity” i.e. an era when AI may surpass human intelligence, GEEF2026 will critically examine the ethical considerations and potential risks this creates for sustainable development. Hosted by Yonsei University in partnership with the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future and the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, GEEF2026 is scheduled for March 12–13, 2026. 

At the World Emerging Security Forum (WEST), H.E. Ban Ki-moon, 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, emphasized: “We must unite to harness the full potential of AI technology while simultaneously safeguarding ourselves against its potential threats and risks.” His remarks underscore the urgency of establishing coordinated and ethical frameworks to manage AI’s transformative potential. Echoing this perspective, AI experts and policymakers around the world have called for AI safety to be treated with the same level of global priority as nuclear security and pandemic preparedness. In this context, South Korea has positioned itself as an active contributor to responsible and inclusive AI development, drawing on its advanced technology sector and strong international partnerships. For example, recent high-level discussions between the Korean government, industry leaders such as Samsung Electronics and SK Group, and global AI firms like OpenAI, reflect a shared commitment to aligning innovation with human-centered values.

Amidst these discussions, GEEF2026 hopes to highlight the critical role of AI and technological innovation in addressing pressing global challenges, including climate change, social equity, public health, and digital inclusion. Participants will showcase practical applications of AI and technology for measurable social and environmental impact. The forum will also address AI skills development, capacity building, ethical AI standards, governance frameworks, and collaborative innovation. Interactive sessions will highlight solutions across healthcare, education, disaster response, and other sectors, emphasizing scalability and real-world impact. Central to GEEF2026 will also be the engagement of youth, women, and marginalized communities, ensuring diverse perspectives inform strategies for a more inclusive and sustainable technological future. By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, NGOs, and international organizations, the forum aims to create actionable partnerships that drive sustainable development, enhance resilience, and harness technology for global good. These efforts hope to align with broader international conversations on AI governance and responsible innovation.

The Ban Ki-moon International Fellowship for Sustainable Development is a prestigious initiative designed to foster future leaders with global citizenship awareness who are committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This fellowship is administered by the Institute for Global Engagement and Empowerment (IGEE) at Yonsei University, in collaboration with the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future and the Ban Ki-moon Foundation (Vienna). It forms part of a broader effort to promote global sustainability and empower the next generation of change-makers.

Alongside the fellowship, we also introduced the Ban Ki-moon - GEEF Graduate Student Outstanding Research Award to recognize and support outstanding academic work that aligns with the mission of sustainable development. After a thorough review, we are proud to announce that three graduate students were selected for this prestigious award. Their research projects showcase an exemplary commitment to addressing global challenges and advancing the SDGs.

1. Background & Rationale

AI is emerging as a social infrastructure for many nations by transforming systems of governance, the protection of citizens’ rights, and pathways toward sustainable development. The following session examines national strategies and policy frameworks that aim to reposition AI not merely as a tool of industrial competition, but as a system for strengthening public value and social solidarity.

In particular, the discussion will focus on discussing the benefits of AI advancements in education, healthcare, welfare, labor, and society at large. Rather than focusing solely on ethical statements or theory, the session will examine practical pathways linking policy, regulation, legislation, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The session will also look into how cross-sector collaboration among governments, universities, industry, and other key organizations can accelerate socially responsible AI deployment, giving greater attention to data governance and public digital infrastructure. By reviewing existing legal frameworks introduced by the National AI Strategy Committee and initiatives led by AI companies such as AIWORKX, the discussion will highlight scalable models for expanding national strategies into inclusive global impact.

2. Session Objectives

By shifting the conversation from competition toward cooperation and public value, this session aims to offer global leaders meaningful questions and practical directions for forging new development models in the AI generation, to explore how AI can serve as a practical instrument for advancing the SDGs

3. Potential Outcomes and Future Directions 

Through this session, we suggest 3 practical actions that universities, policymakers, or institutions can take to promote sustainable development.

    1) Universities

Universities should integrate AI-for-SDGs education across disciplines and expand interdisciplinary research centers focused on social impact. They should also build long-term partnerships with governments and communities in developing countries to support field-based pilot projects

    2) Policy makers

Policymakers should develop inclusive AI governance frameworks and invest in public digital infrastructure that broaden access to AI technologies. They can further enable innovation by introducing regulatory sandboxes for socially oriented AI applications.

    3) Institutions

Institutions are encouraged to deploy AI solutions in areas such as healthcare, education, and social protection while establishing strong accountability and oversight mechanisms. They should also collaborate across sectors to create successful models and track progress toward the SDGs.

1. Background & Rationale

The GEEF 2026 Great Minds Special Session will explore how advanced university-driven technologies can accelerate the progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while also discussing the ethical commitment and practical leadership that universities must uphold in this process.

Accountability and innovation in higher education are core values pursued by GEEF 2026, as well as a defining responsibility that this era demands of universities. Today, universities must move beyond their traditional role as institutions that transmit knowledge and instead become creators of social value by confronting the complex challenges facing humanity and proposing meaningful solutions. Amid rapid technological transformation, universities are called upon to place trust in the potential of technology while bearing a profound responsibility to prevent social inequality and exclusion that it may produce.

This session shares GEEF 2026’s vision that universities and research institutions must engage in collective action to advance the SDGs. At a time when emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are reshaping global order, universities must serve not merely as competitors in technological advancement, but as central hubs of international solidarity for building governance frameworks for new technologies.

Since 2024, Korea University, Seoul National University, POSTECH, and Yonsei University have led efforts in sustainable higher education in Korea through the Sustainable Campus Initiative. Building on their strong technological capabilities and extensive global networks, the session will present innovative models of responsible higher education that enable the benefits of technological advancement to be shared inclusively across all of humanity.

By sharing the diverse experiences and practices developed by the four universities through education, research, and service, this session will highlight how universities of a new era can realize sustainable development in practice through institutional frameworks, education, and collaboration with local communities.

2. Session Objectives

This session aims to explore how universities can act responsibly amid rapid technological advancement, not to usher in an era in which technology alienates humanity, but to help shape a future in which technological progress supports human well-being and sustainable development. It will also examine how higher education institutions can put ethical responsibility into practice and expand their impact through global solidarity at a time of accelerated technological transformation. In particular, the session will present innovative models of responsible higher education by sharing experiences and practices from the four universities

3. Potential Outcomes and Future Directions 

Through this session, we suggest 3 practical actions that universities, policymakers, or institutions can take to promote sustainable development.

1) At the university level, the session is expected to strengthen the capacity of higher education institutions to embed responsible technology and sustainability into education, research, and operations. By integrating the SDGs and ethical considerations into institutional strategies, universities can align technological innovation with social responsibility while preventing inequality and exclusion. Shared cases from the four leading universities will also encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, student engagement, and stronger links between academic activity and real-world impact.

2) Based on university-led innovation and research ecosystems, policymakers can develop governance frameworks that promote inclusive and responsible approaches to emerging technologies. Cross-border and cross-sector collaboration will be emphasized to align technological progress with long-term sustainability objectives.

3) At the institutional level, sustained partnership and collective action are crucial. By strengthening global academic networks, aligning research and education with sustainability priorities, and expanding collaboration with local communities, institutions can amplify their impact and demonstrate how higher education can responsibly lead societal transformation in an era of rapid technological change

1. Background & Rationale

Transportation systems play a central role in shaping environmental sustainability, social equity, and community well-being. They influence access to employment, education, and healthcare while also contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and public health outcomes. As cities grow and climate risks intensify, transportation infrastructure faces increasing pressure to become more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.

 Unsustainable, car-dependent development patterns have exacerbated climate impacts and mobility inequities, particularly for vulnerable populations. At the same time, climate change poses growing risks to transportation networks through extreme weather events and infrastructure stress. Addressing these challenges requires integrated approaches that connect transportation planning with land use, environmental policy, and community development.

Therefore, this session on Sustainability in Transportation & Communities examines how transportation systems can support sustainable and inclusive communities through interdisciplinary planning and evidence-based policy. Featuring Marsha Anderson Bomar, the session will highlight practical strategies for advancing climate-resilient, equitable, and community-centered transportation solutions.

2. Session Objectives

In this session on Sustainability in Transportation & Communities, we will examine key environmental, social, and equity challenges in contemporary transportation systems and explore practical, interdisciplinary solutions to build more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities through insights from global experts.

3. Potential Outcomes and Future Directions

Through this session, we suggest 3 practical actions that universities, policymakers, or institutions can take to promote sustainable development.

   1) Universities:

Universities play a critical role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation and communities by advancing research, education, and capacity building. Academic institutions can integrate sustainability and resilience frameworks into transportation, planning, engineering, and public policy curricula, equipping students with practical tools and interdisciplinary perspectives. Universities can also serve as living laboratories by applying sustainable transportation principles on campus and fostering collaboration with local governments and communities through applied research and pilot projects.

   2) Policy makers

Policymakers are essential in creating enabling environments for sustainable and equitable transportation systems. By adopting evidence-based planning approaches and sustainability frameworks in transportation policy and infrastructure decision-making, policymakers can move beyond minimum compliance toward long-term resilience and community well-being. Strengthening cross-sector coordination and incorporating community engagement into policy processes can further ensure that transportation investments align with climate goals, equity considerations, and local needs.

   3) Institutions

Institutions—including public agencies, infrastructure owners, international organizations, and professional bodies—play a key role in implementing and scaling sustainable transportation practices. By institutionalizing sustainability and resilience assessment tools across the full project life cycle, institutions can improve performance, transparency, and public trust. Collaboration among institutions, along with partnerships with academia and communities, can accelerate knowledge-sharing, support capacity building, and promote widespread adoption of sustainable transportation solutions.

1. Background & Rationale

Rapid changes in the Arctic—driven by climate change, technological innovation, and shifting geopolitical dynamics—are transforming the feasibility and scale of Arctic shipping. New navigation routes and extended operational seasons offer economic opportunities, yet they also pose heightened environmental risks to fragile polar ecosystems and challenge existing governance frameworks.

At the same time, emerging technologies are moving from experimentation to deployment. Autonomous and semi-autonomous vessels, AI-based environmental intelligence, and satellite-enabled monitoring systems are already being tested or used to assess ice conditions, predict navigational risks, and track environmental impacts in near real time. These developments raise critical questions: how can such technologies be operationalized to reduce environmental harm, enhance safety, and support Arctic governance?

Aligned with GEEF 2026’s action-oriented approach, this session focuses on practical, deployable solutions that connect green maritime technologies, AI-driven environmental assessment, and Arctic governance. The aim is to move beyond abstract debates and examine how technology can concretely support sustainable Arctic shipping under conditions of environmental uncertainty and geopolitical change.

2. Session Objectives

By shifting the conversation from competition toward cooperation and environmental sustainability, this session aims to offer global leaders meaningful questions and practical directions for advancing responsible Arctic shipping.

Experts in maritime governance, green technologies, and AI-driven environmental intelligence will come together to explore how innovative technologies and international collaboration can serve as practical instruments for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This session aims to translate emerging technologies and governance debates into concrete, actionable pathways for sustainable Arctic shipping. In line with the GEEF 2026 action-oriented format, the session pursues the following objectives:

• To examine how existing and evolving legal and governance frameworks can accommodate and guide technology-enabled Arctic shipping, ensuring environmental protection, navigational safety, and regulatory coherence amid rapidly changing Arctic conditions.

• To assess the practical deployment of AI-driven ocean–atmosphere modeling, focusing on how advanced prediction tools can improve risk assessment, route planning, and real-time operational decision-making for Arctic shipping.

• To bridge the gap between scientific innovation and operational use, exploring how data from summer ice-edge mapping, satellite systems, and AI-based environmental intelligence can be transformed into actionable shipping intelligence rather than remaining at the experimental or research stage.

• To identify pathways for international cooperation and technology development, highlighting collaborative models, governance mechanisms, and partnership opportunities that can support the responsible adoption of green and intelligent shipping technologies in the Arctic.

• To provide transferable insights and implementation roadmaps, enabling policymakers, industry actors, and researchers to adapt lessons learned—both successes and failures—to other polar and environmentally sensitive maritime regions.

3. Potential Outcomes and Future Directions 

Through this session, we suggest three practical actions that universities, policymakers, and institutions can take to advance sustainable Arctic shipping and climate-resilient development.

   1) Universities

Universities should strengthen interdisciplinary education and research at the intersection of Arctic studies, ocean governance, green technologies, and AI-driven environmental intelligence. They are encouraged to establish collaborative research platforms that connect scientists, engineers, and social scientists, while expanding partnerships with polar research institutes and international organizations to support data-driven Arctic field research and capacity building.

   2) Policy makers

Policymakers should develop coordinated legal and governance frameworks that integrate environmental protection, navigational safety, and technological innovation in Arctic shipping. They should also promote international cooperation and data-sharing mechanisms, enabling the responsible use of AI-based environmental monitoring and predictive systems to support climate-informed maritime decision-making.

    3) Institutions

 Institutions are encouraged to deploy AI-enabled environmental intelligence and green shipping solutions in real-world Arctic maritime operations, while establishing clear accountability and oversight mechanisms. Cross-sector collaboration among research institutes, government agencies, and industry stakeholders should be strengthened to pilot scalable models and evaluate their contributions to climate action and marine ecosystem protection.

1. Background & Rationale

Starting with J.J. Thomson’s discovery of the electron in 1896 until the EPR (Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen) paradox proposal in 1935, experts have made gradual progress in exploring the realm of quantum science. The United Nations (UN) have announced 2025 as the ‘International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ)’ to continue raising public awareness of what quantum science is and why its application in the modern era is important.

Yonsei University’s quantum research center, as well as the IBM Quantum Computer installed in October 2024, push the educational institution to focus on the research and development of quantum mechanics and computing. This plenary session is expected to dive into Yonsei’s goals for quantum research, further elaborate its implication on healthcare, and identify plausible solutions to achieve UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #3 of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being of all ages.

Key topics & challenges TBD. 

2. Session Objectives

During this plenary session, speakers are expected to elaborate on the application of quantum computing technology in pharmaceutical research and its influence on improving the healthcare system in alignment with the UN SDG #3 targets.

Key topics TBD.

3. Potential Outcomes and Future Directions 

Through this session, we suggest 3 practical actions that universities, policymakers, or institutions can take to promote sustainable development.

   1) Universities

Universities are the first step to further educate individuals what quantum mechanics and computing are, and how it is applicable in the real-world within various areas such as healthcare. Providing curriculums on quantum science pushes for future research and development (R&D), and through collaborative efforts with the government and communities, public awareness of quantum computing and its importance can be raised.

   2) Policy makers

Quantum computing still is a relatively new concept, hence for its supply and demand to increase, governments and institutions can be prompted to implement new policies or improve existing ones. Allocating funds for research and strengthening guidelines allow professionals to explore quantum technology in an appropriate manner, as well as increase public curiosity on how quantum computing impacts healthcare and other systems that influence individuals’ daily lives.

   3) Institutions

Academic and research organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international agencies, and financial institutions have the capability to advocate for sustainable industrialization and innovation. Transnational collaboration with institutions and governments can encourage the public in joining discussions about quantum science, hence encouraging the global society to adapt to new technologies.