Title: Generation17 Young Leaders Visit Samsung HQ to Shape a More Sustainable Future
Publish Date: 5.28.2026
Category: Corporate

In May, the Generation17 Young Leaders traveled to Samsung’s headquarters in Korea to explore how Galaxy technology can accelerate progress toward the Global Goals.

The visit marked the latest milestone for Generation17, an initiative established in 2020 between Samsung and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to equip young changemakers with the technology, mentorship, and networking opportunities to amplify their stories and solutions.


Galaxy Tech Driving Real-World Impact
At Samsung Digital City in Suwon, conversations highlighted how tools such as the Samsung Global Goals app and AI can turn innovative ideas into scalable, real-world impact. Held alongside personal mentoring sessions, these discussions deepened participants’ understanding of Samsung’s sustainability commitments, expanded their networks and reinforced their pride in the Generation17 community.



The weeklong program featured a dynamic mix of interactive sessions on topics including Galaxy for the Planet, Samsung’s brand philosophy and the future of AI. Throughout the sessions, the Young Leaders engaged directly with senior leadership on how technology can shape a more sustainable future.

The Young Leaders also participated in a Samsung Global Goals app workshop. This was designed as a collaborative, workshop-style session to explore how the Samsung Global Goals app can better support awareness, engagement, and impact, while allowing members to contribute ideas for its future development.



These experiences fostered meaningful connections across the broader Samsung ecosystem and reinforced the collective impact and potential of the Generation17 community.

“I see technology as a tool. Its possibilities are endless,” said Generation17 member Efe Johnson. “It can help amplify impact, connection, and accessibility. I’ve already seen its importance in my work so far, and as I transition more fully into advocacy, I know technology will continue playing a major role in storytelling, community building, education, and reaching people across borders.”

Fellow Generation17 member José Francisco Ochoa added, “The tour gave me a deeper understanding of Samsung’s vision for innovation, sustainability, and social impact. It allowed me to see not only what Samsung creates, but also the values, people, culture, and long-term thinking behind the company.”


Hands-On Collaboration With the UNDP 
In partnership with the UNDP, the Young Leaders also had the opportunity to join local innovators, entrepreneurs and students for a youth engagement session and mini-innovation sprint. The hands-on session focused on finding tech-enabled solutions to challenges related to digital inclusion, sustainability and equity.

Throughout the exercise, the Generation17 members shared perspectives on how cross-sector partnerships can help amplify youth-led innovation and drive meaningful change.

“It's imperative to understand multiple perspectives since it makes it harder to then play the blame game,” said Generation17 member Soumya Dabriwal. “Samsung and UNDP coming together is one of the most unique cross sectoral partnerships that I have come across and it gives me a lot of hope and inspiration.”


Cultural Immersion and Reflection
The Young Leaders wrapped up the week in Seoul, enjoying a range of cultural experiences including a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace where they tried on traditional Korean clothing.

Marking the one-year anniversary of the fifth cohort of the Young Leaders, the trip provided opportunities for new connections, shared learning and conversations on the future of the Generation17 community.

“Representing Generation17 in a global setting like this means a lot to me because I am not only representing myself and my own work, but also the impact created within my community and the challenges that many young people face,” explained Generation17 member Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh.

“It is an opportunity to share our stories, ideas and solutions on a global platform while expanding the reach and influence of the work we are doing. It also gives me the chance to inspire others, connect with different experiences and perspectives, and show how youth led initiatives can create meaningful change toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Learn more about Generation17 here: https://www.undp.org/generation17