Since launching Generation17 in 2020, Samsung and UNDP have supported Young Leaders from across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North America, addressing critical issues that span all 17 Global Goals. The partnership has provided these Young Leaders with the latest Samsung Galaxy technology, along with networking and mentorship opportunities, to amplify their stories and advance their work. The newest cohort, focused on advancing solutions in marine conservation, environmental sustainability, gender equality and quality education, reflects Samsung’s continued commitment to a more equitable future for all.

“As we accelerate efforts to achieve the Global Goals, we are proud to welcome the next cohort of Young Leaders to Generation17,” said Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing, Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics. “Their passion, creativity and commitment to addressing global challenges embody the spirit of innovation that fuels meaningful change. We look forward to seeing how these five new Young Leaders will leverage technology for good to inspire action, mobilize communities and create lasting impact for a more sustainable and equitable world.”

Five Global Changemakers

The newest Generation17 Young Leaders were selected from hundreds of applicants and bring new areas of expertise to the initiative, expanding the reach of Generation17. As members of the Generation17 community, they will leverage technology and global platforms to advocate for the issues that matter most to them.

Brigitta Gunawan (Indonesia) – An ocean-climate advocate who has engaged with over 15,000 people in 100+ locations with environmental education and marine conservation opportunities through her organizations 30×30 Indonesia and Diverseas.

“At 17, it struck me that we were nothing but a small speck in a big world that remains largely unexplored—that if we continued as bystanders, we would see this fragile ecosystem cripple within our lifetime—so there I was, ready to co-create a future where people and planet prosper.”

José Francisco Ochoa (Ecuador) — A biologist and co-founder of Academia del Océano, an edtech platform promoting marine conservation, digital tools and sustainability in Spanish-speaking communities, equipping thousands with the tools to protect marine ecosystems.

“The ocean sustains life, yet many don’t realize how deeply connected we are to it. We must embrace innovation, education and collective action to protect our blue planet before it’s too late.”

Renata Koch Alvarenga (Brazil) — Founder and Executive Director of EmpoderaClima, a youth-led organization advocating for climate justice by addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and promoting girls’ climate action.

“Climate disasters are exacerbating gender inequality, but through the Global Goals, we can raise awareness of the need for women’s leadership in climate decision-making and ensure no one is left behind.”

Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh (Jordan) — A climate activist, sustainable technology advocate and founder of IBTKRGO, which develops eco-friendly educational kits using recyclable materials, including e-waste, to empower youth with digital skills.

“Green technology is key to a sustainable future, and young innovators have the power to lead this transformation. Through IBTKRGO, I strive to bridge the gap between technology and sustainability, ensuring solutions that serve both people and the planet.”

Soumya Dabriwal (India) — Co-founder of Project Baala, a social enterprise addressing menstrual hygiene and reproductive health access through innovative solutions, including the sustainable distribution of reusable sanitary products and educational initiatives to de-stigmatize women’s health while generating employment for women.

“Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) is a fundamental human right. Through collective advocacy and innovation, we can break barriers, challenge stigmas and build a world where everyone has the freedom and resources to make informed choices about their own bodies and futures.”

Elevating Youth Voices for Global Action

Since the launch of Generation17 in 2020, Samsung and UNDP have partnered to empower Young Leaders—helping them amplify their stories and accelerate their efforts to drive meaningful change in communities across the world. Additionally, the initiative provides opportunities for Young Leaders to showcase their impact on a global scale.

In the coming months, these Young Leaders will attend various major global events, where they will engage with policymakers, innovators and fellow changemakers. Through these platforms, they will contribute to international conversations on sustainable development and drive tangible progress toward the Global Goals, ensuring that youth voices play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable future. This year, Generation17 alum Tamara Gondo took the stage at Samsung’s Galaxy Tech Forum, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainability and the power of collaboration with like-minded partners to tackle worldwide challenges. She also shared how the initiative has helped scale her organization’s impact since she joined in 2022.

“Young people are the future of global development, and with fewer than five years left to achieve the Global Goals, the time to act is now,” said Achim Steiner, Administrator of UNDP. “Through our long-standing partnership with Samsung, we are empowering youth to advance solutions that address climate and human rights challenges and to inspire a new generation to join the fight for a more sustainable and just future.”

Generation17 reflects the shared commitment of Samsung and UNDP to harness technology for positive impact. Their collaboration began in 2019 with the launch of the Samsung Global Goals App—a mobile platform that educates users about the Goals while enabling them to contribute through everyday use of their Galaxy devices. As detailed in Samsung’s Global Goals Report, as of September 2024, the app has been installed on nearly 300 million Samsung Galaxy devices worldwide—including smartphones, tablets and smartwatches—and has helped generate more than $20 million USD to support UNDP’s global environmental and social initiatives.

About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at www.undp.org.

About Generation17
Generation17 is an initiative from Samsung and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that elevates the voices of Young Leaders who are changing the world and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or ‘Global Goals.’ Samsung and UNDP are providing mentorship, technology and networking opportunities for the Young Leaders as they advance their work. Learn more at www.undp.org/generation17.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that the Samsung Global Goals App has won Bronze in the “Partnership or Collaboration – Responsible Technology” category of the 4^th Annual Anthem Awards, which recognizes initiatives that leverage technology responsibly through strategic partnerships to address societal challenges and promote ethical technology use. This recognition highlights Samsung’s continued dedication to fostering impactful, technology-driven solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

The Anthem Awards is one of the largest and most comprehensive social impact awards program that honors incredible, purpose-driven work from individuals, companies and organizations around the globe. The 4th Annual Anthem Awards marked the most competitive season yet, with over 2,300 entries submitted from 34 countries. By recognizing projects and initiatives that drive global change, the Anthem Awards establish a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires action in communities worldwide.

“We are truly honored to have our commitment to the Global Goals recognized by the Anthem Awards,” said Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung is dedicated to harnessing the power of technology to inspire collective action, open collaboration and creating a better future for all. As we advance towards 2030 alongside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Samsung Global Goals app will remain vital for driving action and progress toward achieving the Global Goals.”

Developed in partnership with the UNDP, the Samsung Global Goals app empowers millions worldwide to contribute directly to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, also known as the Global Goals. Launched in 2019, the app now has nearly 300 million Galaxy users[1] around the world and has raised over $20 million[2] to support UNDP initiatives through user donations, in-app advertisements and matching donations from Samsung.

For more information about the partnership, read the 2024 Global Goals Report here. To learn more about the Samsung Global Goals app, download the app from the Google Play Store.

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. www.undp.org

[1] Total number of users as of September 2024

[2] Total contributions as of September 2024

Samsung Electronics today announced that three new Young Leaders will join Generation17, an initiative in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support young changemakers working to achieve the 17 Global Goals.[1] The addition of these three Young Leaders will help educate people about critical global challenges and the solutions needed to deliver a more prosperous future by 2030.

“We are thrilled to welcome these three innovative leaders to the Galaxy community and Generation17,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “These Young Leaders will inspire the Galaxy community to make positive changes in their daily lives, with their dedication to harness technology and open possibilities for a more equitable future. Each embodies the ingenuity and innovative spirit that we need to engage more people in helping to achieve the Global Goals.”

The New Young Leaders

For the first time, Samsung and UNDP conducted an open call that rallied thousands of passionate young people from all over the world to apply to join Generation17. This new group of Generation17 Young Leaders, chosen from a competitive pool of candidates, will add new perspectives to the initiative, and their projects will bring forth new solutions in education, skills and training and health equity.

Zubair Junjunia (United Kingdom): Social entrepreneur and founder of ZNotes, a global learning platform enabling fair and equal access to education that has impacted four million students globally.

“I was inspired to build an education platform after witnessing the uneven playing field of education. We must empower youth to create an equitable education system, which is why I am excited to join Generation17 and bring awareness to global education challenges and inspire young people to stand up for causes they believe in.”

Priscilla Efe Johnson (Nigeria): Gender equality activist working to de-stigmatize women’s health through Xari Africa, a female-led organization providing girls with access to reproductive and sexual health resources.

“Reproductive and sexual health is everybody’s business. This fight, this passion, is personal. That is why I am thrilled to be selected as a member of Generation17, working in partnership with Samsung and UNDP to elevate my voice and expand access and education to women’s healthcare across the globe.”

Mock Yi Jun (Singapore): Education leader and co-founder of Advisory Singapore, a youth-led charity dedicated to empowering young people from all walks of life to make informed career and education choices.

“Every person, no matter their background or socio-economic status, deserves a chance to pursue their aspirations. Generation17 is the perfect platform to enable more young people like me to empower individuals to take their education and career journey into their own hands.”

Amplifying Youth Leadership on a Global Stage

Samsung and UNDP launched Generation17 in October 2020, with the mission to magnify the voices and impactful work of young people accelerating progress for the Global Goals. Since the launch, Samsung and UNDP have gathered 17 Young Leaders across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North America working on issues that encompass all 17 of the Global Goals.

Together, Samsung and UNDP provide the Young Leaders with mentorship and the latest Samsung Galaxy technology as well as access to agenda-setting events and other opportunities to elevate their platforms and connect with their peers and cross-sector, global decision makers. Generation17 Young Leaders have participated in various events, including Samsung’s Unpacked, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, UN ECOSOC Youth Forum, Stockholm +50 and the United Nations General Assembly.

“To achieve the Global Goals, we need authentic action from young people – those on the frontlines of today’s most pressing issues – to build back progress and support for each goal,” said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner. “Through our partnership with Samsung, we aim to foster the growth of these Young Leaders as they address critical issues such as the climate crisis and human rights concerns to build a more resilient society.”

▲ Three Generation17 Leaders at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity

Generation17 is grounded in Samsung and UNDP’s commitment to leverage technology as a force for good. The two organizations first partnered in 2019 to create the Samsung Global Goals app, an education and donation-based mobile app that informs people about the Global Goals and encourages them to take action just by using their Galaxy devices. Since then, the app has been installed on nearly 300 million Galaxy devices worldwide, including smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. It has enabled the Galaxy community to generate more than $10 million USD for UNDP’s work to promote environmental and social resilience around the world.

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. www.undp.org

About Generation17

Generation17 is an initiative from Samsung and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that elevates the voices of Young Leaders who are changing the world and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or ‘Global Goals.’ Samsung and UNDP are providing mentorship, technology and networking opportunities for the Young Leaders as they advance their work. https://www.undp.org/generation17

[1] The 17 Global Goals, known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 and provide a blueprint to end poverty, protect the environment, reduce economic inequality and ensure peace and justice for all.

In celebration of the United Nations’ 75^th Anniversary, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced Generation17, an initiative in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to inspire action to achieve the Global Goals – a set of 17 interlinked goals that provide a blueprint to achieve a better future for all by 2030.

Generation17 merges the power of Samsung Galaxy smartphone technology with UNDP’s platform to galvanize an entire generation of young people to achieve the 17 Global Goals in less than ten years. The initiative will elevate the stories and share the impactful work of young leaders who are already making considerable strides in support of the Global Goals.

“We are excited to better connect these inspiring advocates to their peers, enable their generation to take bold action on the Goals, and make their voices heard loud and clear with the latest Galaxy technology and our shared vision,” said Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “With a purpose as grand as the Global Goals, we strongly believe a collaborative, rallying effort will be imperative in sparking meaningful change.”

The 2020 cohort of Generation17 is made up of four trailblazers who are mobilizing communities from Mali and Argentina, to Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our lifetimes:

• Máximo Mazzocco (Argentina): A 30-year old who founded Eco House, a nonprofit that promotes sustainable development through education, volunteering, advocacy and environmental certification
• Sadya Touré (Mali): A 23-year-old author who founded Mali Musso, an organization which empowers women through education to destigmatize gender-based violence
• Shomy Chowdhury (Bangladesh): A 26-year-old Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) activist seeking to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all through her global organization, Awareness 360, working across 23 countries
• Tafara Makaza (Zimbabwe): A 24-year-old junior at Williams College, in Williamstown, MA, studying astrophysics who has launched diverse startups to build transportation, energy, agriculture and education solutions

The 2020 Cohort of Generation17 Young Leaders

Millennials and Gen Z wield incredible influence in catalyzing change as tech savvy global citizens in an increasingly borderless world, with their unwavering and relentless optimism leading the charge on climate change and racial justice and influencing policymakers and businesses to chart a more sustainable course for our collective future. Generation17 is our answer to their call-to-action.  

“Young people are advancing the Global Goals through their work as innovators, entrepreneurs and advocates, and we must properly engage them today for the success of our global agenda tomorrow,” said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner. “They harness incredible power in advocating for positive, systemic change, and we must support them in their roles as torchbearers of the Global Goals. This initiative complements other initiatives across the UN system, strengthening the foundations for a UN that delivers with and for young people through the UN Youth Strategy: Youth2030.”

UNDP and Samsung will provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and Galaxy devices to help broaden the reach of each of the young leaders’ voices and strengthen their organizations and businesses. They will also use the Samsung Global Goals app, which is preinstalled on the latest Galaxy smartphones, to show users how they can make a difference across the 17 Global Goals in their daily lives. Through educational content, the app aims to increase awareness of the Goals and has so far raised $1M in donations[1] for UNDP.

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[1] The Samsung Galaxy Community Raised $1M to Support the Global Goals

Thanks to a partnership with premium Danish textile brand Kvadrat, the latest Samsung accessories for the Galaxy S20+ 5G are no exception. 

Accessories for Good

When developing accessories for the Galaxy S20 Series 5G and other of the company’s latest products, Samsung made the decision to partner with Kvadrat, a company rooted in Scandinavian design tradition that has acquired the European Union’s Ecolabel certification – a certification known for its strict judgement criteria. 

Following the sustainable practice of upcycling, the special Galaxy S20+ 5G phone case is made up of re-purposed 500ml plastic bottles that are melted and reformulated into textile yarns. Upcycling, also known as ‘creative reuse’, is the process of transforming end-of-life products into new materials that not only are of better quality than the original, but also benefit the environment. In the case of Kvadrat’s yarn-making process, one plastic bottle can be repurposed to produce two Galaxy S20+ 5G phone cases.

These recycled yarns help to reduce the number of plastic bottles found in landfills and are produced in a way that reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during manufacturing as compared with traditional material processes. The plastic bottle-sourced yarn is formed in an eco-friendly process that preserves non-renewable energy resources. Samsung is the first company among major brands in the mobile industry to have produced a phone case for its flagship device using recycled materials.

The Galaxy S20+ 5G phone case made with textiles by Kvadrat follows the sustainable practice of upcycling by transforming end-of-life plastic bottles into recycled polyester yarns, from which cases can then be fashioned. 

These recycled yarns are eco-friendly because they reduce the amount of PET bottles in landfills. In Canada, it is estimated that we consume two billion water bottles per year, which is 5.3 million a day. Approximately 22 million pounds of that plastic makes its way into the Great Lakes every year^[1]. Each recycled 500ml plastic bottle can create two phone cases, allowing users the comfort that with the purchase of this special phone case, they are helping contribute to the reduction of plastic pollution.

The recycled yarns are also manufactured in a way that reduces carbon dioxide emissions as compared to traditional processes. Compared to conventional polyester production methods, Kvadrat’s recycled yarns are formed in a process that consumes less energy and preserves precious oil resources. 

Galaxy S20+ 5G case made with Kvadrat textiles product images

Last year, Samsung announced a partnership with the UN Development Programme to support the Sustainable Development Goals (also known as the Global Goals) which address some of the biggest challenges faced around the world, including the fight against environmental degradation. In line with this, a portion of revenue from sales of the Samsung Global Goals edition of the Galaxy S20+ 5G case made with Kvadrat textiles will be donated to UNDP in support of the 17 Global Goals^[2].

Samsung Global Goals edition Galaxy S20+ 5G case made with Kvadrat textiles product images

As well as purchasing the Samsung Global Goals edition case, Galaxy users can also download the Samsung Global Goals app in order to discover more ways to get involved with the Samsung Global Goals initiative. With the app, users can learn more about each of the Global Goals and the issues they seek to tackle with detailed information, facts and figures on each Goal available. The app also helps raise money for the Global Goals, firstly by allowing users to donate directly to the Global Goals on the UNDP website and secondly by collecting ad revenue for the UNDP whenever users interact with ads on the app.

Samsung is looking to not only promote sustainable product cycles but also to provide users with more options than ever when looking to make eco-friendly choices for the future.

Kvadrat Eco-Friendly Galaxy S20+ 5G phone cases will be available in Red, Green and Gray in select markets including Canada on March 13, 2020 for $49.99.  For more information, please visit samsung.ca.

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[1]  https://www.readersdigest.ca/culture/niagara-now-plastic-bottles/

[2] The Samsung Global Goals edition of the Galaxy S20+ 5G phone case made with Kvadrat textiles will be available in select markets only.

The awards highlight Samsung’s heritage of achievements in developing groundbreaking innovations that propel the industry forward. This year, Samsung’s award-winning honorees span a range of categories including Visual Displays, Gaming, Software and Mobile Apps, Embedded Technology, Tech for a Better World, Sustainability, Home AV Components & Accessories, Computer Hardware and Components, Health and Wellness, Fitness, Sports and Biotech, Wearables, Mobile Devices and Accessories, Computer Accessories, Home appliance and Smart Home.

“We are honored and humbled to once again be recognized for the ways that our consumer electronics and digital solutions impact consumers’ lives and push the boundaries of where technology can go,” said YH Eom, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America. “This year marks a new milestone for the number of Samsung honorees at CES, which I believe is a testament to the world-class Samsung team that is behind these innovative new solutions.”

The CES Innovation Awards are sponsored by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the owner and organizer of CES. Many of Samsung’s industry recognized products will be on display at CES 2020, which will take place January 7-10, 2020, in the Samsung booth (#15006) located in The Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall – Tech East.

Following are details of a selection of Samsung’s award-winning products:

Samsung Galaxy Fold – Galaxy Fold is a foldable device that has created an entirely new mobile category. It features the 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display which folds into a compact device with a 4.6-inch cover display, giving users the best of a smartphone and a tablet, all in one device. The Galaxy Fold is a first-of-its-kind device featuring new materials and technologies. Users now have a powerful new way to watch videos and multi-task.

Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5G¹ – A CES 2020 Best of Innovation winner, the Galaxy Note10+ 5G is purposefully-designed to let people harness the power of 5G networks to experience streaming, gaming and productivity in an entirely new way. With the reimagined S Pen, a pro-grade camera, and excellent specs, the Galaxy Note10+ 5G allows consumers to work the way they want, when they want it and showcase their creative spirit, all while tapping into the fastest networks available.

Samsung Galaxy Note10 / 10+ – Today’s Note users depend on their devices more than ever, turning to them as they shift from project to project, take on new challenges and pursue their passions. The Galaxy Note10 and Galaxy Note10+ give people the freedom to work the way they want, when they want it and showcase their creative spirit, all on-the-go. Packed with the Note’s most immersive display, a reimagined Intelligent S Pen, a pro-grade camera in their pocket and excellent specs, the Galaxy Note10 and Note10+ help users do more of what they love.

Samsung Galaxy S10 5G¹ – Samsung’s first 5G flagship phone, the Galaxy S10 5G offers a supercharged experience in the areas people care about the most: display, camera and performance. And, it’s ready for blazing-fast 5G connectivity. To take full advantage of 5G, the Galaxy S10 5G features a 6.7” Dynamic AMOLED display, the largest-ever in the Samsung S series; an advanced camera system, including 3D Depth Sensing lens with Time of Flight technology to shoot videos with stunning bokeh effect; and an intelligent 4,500mAh (typical)³ battery to power through hours of gaming and streaming. With the Galaxy S10 5G, download a full season of a TV show in minutes, play graphics-rich cloud games with virtually no lag, enjoy enhanced VR and AR experiences and more.

Samsung Galaxy A50 – The Samsung Galaxy A50 has everything you want in a smartphone at an accessible price point. Packed with advanced hardware and premium features, the Galaxy A50 is designed for the way people live: it offers a versatile camera with Ultra Wide and Depth lenses, a 6.4-inch immersive Super AMOLED Infinity-U display and a fast-charging, long-lasting battery.

Galaxy Watch Active2 – Galaxy Watch Active2 is Samsung’s latest smartwatch that combines holistic fitness and wellness capabilities with customizable fashion features to support your style. With the Samsung Health app at the core, Galaxy Watch Active2 delivers detailed and actionable information on fitness, sleep and more. Additionally, Galaxy Watch Active2 conveniently integrates with apps and services across the Galaxy ecosystem, perfectly accommodating a connected lifestyle.

Samsung Pay – Samsung Pay is already a convenient and rewarding way to pay and shop, and over the past year it’s evolved to help give people more control over their financial life. New features, like Tap&Pay², make it easier to pay for everyday things like subway rides and bus fares, while services like Samsung Pay Cash² and Money Transfer² powered by Travelex make it easier to manage money and send it to those who are abroad – all on the go.

Samsung 30.72TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD – The 30.72TB PM1733 brings performance to a new level with a capacity solid state drive, providing Internet and Big Data infrastructure enablement that is critical to consumers in the rapidly expanding world of data analytics, AI analysis and IoT.

Samsung Global Goals App – Developed by Samsung in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the smartphone app is both an educational tool and a platform to raise money for philanthropic causes that address some of the world’s biggest challenges. Users can learn more about how the Global Goals were created and details about each goal including background information and facts and figures about each specific topic. The Global Goals app also helps raise money for the Global Goals in two main ways: (i) it allows users to donate directly to the Global Goals via the app or UNDP website, and (i) it allows users to engage with ads on the app to donate 100 percent of the ad revenue generated by Samsung to the Global Goals. By leveraging technology we use every day to help make the world better, the ‘Samsung Global Goals’ app lets users do good and feel good, too.

¹Samsung Galaxy Note10 5G and Samsung Galaxy S10 5G are not available in Canada at this time.
²Tap& Pay, Samsung Pay Cash and Money Transfer are not available in Canada at this time.
³Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4400mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.