GEEF

This session brings together global health experts, disaster management professionals, and international relations specialists to examine how escalating climate change and geopolitical tensions shape disaster risks on the Korean Peninsula. It focuses on how natural hazards intensified by global warming intersect with the unique vulnerabilities posed by longstanding inter-Korean tensions. Panelists will explore innovative strategies, such as integrated early warning systems, robust public health interventions, and cross-border collaboration, to build regional resilience. Join us as we discover how proactive disaster preparedness and cooperative frameworks can pave the way for a safer, more sustainable future.

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping how civil society organizations (CSOs) address social challenges and work toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Often operating under resource and technical constraints, CSOs are exploring tailored AI solutions to enhance data-driven decision-making and optimize resource allocation. This session examines real-world case studies from organizations like Save the Children Korea while addressing ethical challenges such as bias and data privacy. Experts will lead a dynamic roundtable discussion to empower CSOs to harness AI responsibly and drive sustainable social impact.

In April 2021 the former UN Under Secretary General and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock stated that one of the biggest failings of the humanitarian system is that agencies do not pay enough attention to the voices of people caught up in crisis. He said, “The humanitarian system is set up to give people in need what international agencies and donors think is best, and what we have to offer, rather than giving people what they themselves say they most need.”

Medair is an International Humanitarian Organization specialized in providing emergency response, relief and recovery assistance through primary health care, mental health and psychosocial support, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene, shelter and infrastructure provision in hard-to-reach areas impacted by diseases, disasters and conflict. We focus on the most vulnerable communities globally and the most urgent life saving needs, but we are also very concerned about contributing to sustainable solutions.

In my role of Programme Director for Medair, over the past few years, I have visited many of our programmes in the hardest to reach and most vulnerable countries. What has struck me with each visit is how strong community engagement has the power to bridge divides, whether that be between people of different cultures, ethnic or tribal groups; between youths and elders; between people of different faiths or none; and between gender dynamics. Good community engagement gives a voice to the voiceless and multiplies the impact of humanitarian assistance to make it more cost effective. The importance of real relationships and genuine partnership in effective response has particularly stood out to me. I would like to share concrete examples from Dr Congo, Jordan, Yemen, Ukraine and South Sudan.

 Humanitarian and development actors have an extraordinary position to bridge divides. They are uniquely placed at the global level to tirelessly advocate for upholding international humanitarian law and principled humanitarian action, to leave no communities behind in pursuit of the SDGs. When this is combined at the grassroots level with strong community engagement with affected communities it can help to bridge divides at the local and global levels.

In this session, I will make a case for strong community engagement to bridge divides at the local and global level, and achieve a more sustainable, efficient and effective humanitarian response. I will share a series of humanitarian response practical examples supporting this and engage with the question, what good community engagement entails.  Links will be made to the SDGs related with basic lifesaving assistance: 2 Zero Hunger, 3 Good Health and Well-Being, 6 Clean Water and Sanitation. The floor will be open for questions and discussion.  

By emphasizing the intersection of ecological degradation and social injustice, the session highlights the urgent need to dismantle structural oppression and foster collaboration across national and disciplinary boundaries. It argues for a justice-centered approach to climate action that protects not only the planet but also those most at risk, ensuring a sustainable future for all.

In the contemporary global landscape, a resurgence of isolationism and nationalism, primarily led by major powers including the United States, has emerged as the 'new normal'. This shift has intensified the "democracy versus authoritarianism" dichotomy, presenting significant challenges to the international order. Concurrently, nations are engaged in a complex balancing act, striving to navigate this polarization while competing to deepen and expand alliances aligned with their strategic interests. This geopolitical reconfiguration has brought to the forefront critical issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, North Korea's military provocations, and instability on the Korean Peninsula. These circumstances underscore the imperative need for reinvigorating democratic institutions, maintaining a rules-based international system, and prioritizing peace-building and post-conflict reconciliation efforts. However, the prospects for cooperation in emerging security fields, which have historically served as unifying forces amid fierce competition, are expected to diminish, potentially escalating threats on regional and global scales. In this context, the agenda emphasizes the crucial importance of collaboration with partner nations, particularly those championing multilateralism and shared values of democracy, rule of law, and human rights, such as the European Union. South Korea, as a regional leader in East Asia with a robust history of democratization that has persevered despite domestic political uncertainties, occupies a pivotal position for cooperation as a like-minded partner. The current geopolitical dynamics necessitate a multifaceted approach to address these complex challenges. This approach should aim to leverage collective expertise, expand shared values within the global community, and promote the dissemination of ideas that uphold a rules-based international order. By fostering a new generation of leadership equipped to navigate the intricacies of our interconnected world, this strategy seeks to mitigate the potential risks associated with the evolving global landscape and contribute to the maintenance of international stability and cooperation.

In this era of crisis, characterized by shifting security paradigms and the perceived inefficacy of international organizations, we aim to establish a forum that transcends pragmatic bilateral engagements to explore the potential of value-based multilateral diplomacy. This session brings together defense experts from Latvia, a nation at the forefront of conflict in Europe, and South Korean foreign policy and security specialists to engage in a meaningful exchange of ideas. Through this dialogue, we anticipate developing a comprehensive policy agenda focused on strengthening peace-building efforts and enhancing democratic resilience in both Korea and Europe. The discussion will not only address current challenges but also propose strategies to bolster resilience in the face of ongoing threats to democracy and security. By facilitating this cross-regional expertise sharing, we seek to generate innovative approaches to navigate the complex global landscape. The insights gained from Latvia's frontline experiences in dealing with war and democratic challenges, combined with South Korea's unique perspective, will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of effective multilateral strategies in times of crisis. This forum serves as a platform to reimagine international cooperation, emphasizing shared values and collective action in addressing global security concerns. It aims to produce actionable recommendations that can enhance the effectiveness of multilateral diplomacy and reinforce democratic institutions in both regions.

Deep learning (DL) is transforming industries from healthcare to finance, yet a critical challenge threatens its progress—the replication crisis. Many DL studies lack reproducibility due to limited dataset access, missing code, and undefined experimental conditions, raising concerns about reliability and real-world application. This session explores meta-research as a solution to improve transparency and rigor in DL by identifying replication failures and promoting best practices such as open science, standardized evaluation protocols, and automated replication tools. Experts will discuss how reproducibility impacts AI ethics, policymaking, and public trust in high-stakes domains. Join us to discover how fostering trustworthy, transparent, and sustainable AI research can bridge the gap between innovation and real-world impact.