Since 2020, the initiative has supported Young Leaders worldwide with Samsung Galaxy technology, mentorship and networking opportunities to amplify their stories and solutions.

Growing up, Rahaf saw how digital skills training was out of reach for young people. Now, she’s changing that by creating accessible tech education programs for the next generation.

Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh knows what even one opportunity can do. As a teenager, she got the chance to take a programming course that changed her life. It showed her what was possible when you have access to tech education and mentorship. “It was really the first course I had in robotics,” Rahaf says. “That experience was a turning point.”

Youth unemployment in her home country is nearly 40% according to the UN, and many young people have limited access to the digital skills that could lead to employment. The tech field can feel inaccessible, reserved for those with resources and connections.

Rahaf set out to give young people what that programming course had given her: not just skills, but confidence and a sense of possibility.

Empowering Young People to “Innovate and Go”

In 2017, at age 15, Rahaf joined an initiative with friends to teach digital skills to young people who had no access to this kind of education. By 2023, this had grown into the registered organization IBTKRGO, which means “Innovate and Go.”

Through workshops, summer camps and one-on-one mentorship aligned with the UN’s Global Goals for quality education (Goal 4) and decent work (Goal 8), IBTKRGO has trained over 750 young people. More than 30 workshops have been offered free to vulnerable communities, including refugees.

Tech Skills for Tomorrow’s Workforce

Rahaf designed educational kits with recyclable packaging where students learn programming, robotics and AI using electronic components that can be upcycled after use. “We’re providing them with quality digital education, which is very important for today’s and tomorrow’s job market,” says Rahaf, who is now 23.

But technology isn’t just what Rahaf teaches; it’s how she runs IBTKRGO. It allows her to coordinate workshops across Jordan, manage her team of volunteers and document her work for social media to raise awareness.

During classes, students get hands-on with computers and micro:bits — small, programmable devices designed for learning coding basics — to develop their skills and build simple robots. The engaging approach helps make abstract concepts tangible, giving children an early experience with technology that can spark curiosity and inspire them to learn more. “With so many young people struggling to find work, these skills can be life-changing,” she says.

Turning Regional Learning Into Global Impact

Looking ahead, Rahaf hopes to turn IBTKRGO into “a world platform” that offers more services online and reaches beyond Jordan. “My dream is to expand this work across the Middle East and beyond,” she says, “to show that when youth have access to tech education and believe in themselves, they become the next generation of leaders and changemakers.”

Since 2020, the initiative has supported Young Leaders worldwide with Samsung Galaxy technology, mentorship and networking opportunities to amplify their stories and advance solutions across all 17 Global Goals.

When devastating floods submerged her home state in Brazil, Renata Koch Alvarenga questioned whether her work was making a difference. Instead of retreating, she doubled down, launching an ambitious program to prepare women and youth for the climate crisis ahead.

The 17 Global Goals refer to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. They cover interrelated areas such as quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, climate action, life on land and below water, among others.

The images still haunt her. In May 2024, the state of Rio Grande do Sul faced the worst flooding in its history, submerging Renata Koch Alvarenga’s hometown of Porto Alegre under record-breaking floodwaters. Nearly 600,000 people were displaced, streets disappeared, and the airport remained closed for months.

▲ The 2024 floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, affected nearly 2.4 million people and caused widespread damage across 478 municipalities, including Porto Alegre, shown here.

“My heart was definitely breaking,” she recalls. “I saw so many places that I grew up going to, such as parks and museums, destroyed.”

What happened in Brazil reflects a growing global threat. Climate change is heating oceans and shifting rainfall patterns, intensifying extreme weather events like floods. By 2100, coastal flood risk is expected to increase fivefold, threatening more than 70 million people worldwide, according to UNDP.

After years of climate advocacy and educational outreach, the devastation — some of it in the very communities Renata had worked to protect — left her questioning if her efforts were enough. “I like to say that I’m a climate optimist and always like to see the glass half full, but that was a key moment in which it was very hard to keep being an optimist,” she says. “It was very hard to keep going.”

For Renata, the choice became clear: give in to doubt or double down on her mission.

Discovering Climate Justice

Renata’s path to climate activism began in college when she received the opportunity to attend COP21 — the 21^st United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties — held in Paris in 2015, where world leaders negotiated the landmark Paris Agreement. “I saw multiple diplomats say, ‘I don’t really understand why we’re talking about gender. This has nothing to do with climate change,’” she says.

This dismissive response sparked something within her. Renata’s studies had shown that the climate crisis impacts people differently based on gender and economic status — with women often facing the harshest consequences while being excluded from decision-making. This imbalance lies at the heart of climate justice. According to UN Women, by 2050, climate change may push up to 158 million more women and girls into extreme poverty, compared to 16 million more men and boys.

Renata left COP21 determined to change things.

▲ Inspired by what she witnessed in Paris, Renata worked to create pathways for marginalized voices in climate advocacy.

Leveraging Technology for Impact

Following years of advocacy and study, Renata founded EmpoderaClima, a climate and gender advocacy and education organization with a simple principle: knowledge is empowerment, and empowerment is equality. It originally launched as a website in 2019 using technology to democratize climate information.

“Technology is essential for EmpoderaClima because it allows us to reach people we otherwise couldn’t,” says Renata. “The scale and multiplying effect of social media and our digital database is incredibly powerful,” she adds.

By translating resources on climate and gender equity into French, Spanish and Portuguese, EmpoderaClima broke down language barriers that excluded communities from international climate discussions. And social media enabled the organization to scale rapidly, reaching more than 60,000 people across the world.

▲ The EmpoderaClima website features climate change resources in multiple languages, making them accessible to communities across Latin America and beyond.

Expanding Beyond Digital

As EmpoderaClima grew, so did its initiatives. The organization now runs student workshops, offers climate and leadership mentorship programs for women, and leads advocacy efforts that bring young women to global stages.

Through school visits, Renata’s team takes climate education to youth in vulnerable communities, highlighting the United Nations’ Global Goals with a focus on quality education (Goal 4), gender equality (Goal 5) and climate action (Goal 13).

▲ Students in flood-impacted São Leopoldo, Brazil, learn how their climate experiences connect to global policy.

Brazil’s floods last year exposed gaps in emergency response, including services that address the needs of women and children. In response, Renata launched the Women for Climate Resilience program, where local leaders gain skills in disaster preparedness, mental health and climate adaptation, then carry the knowledge back to their communities. So far, the initiative has reached women from three regions of Brazil.

“Today I feel empowered, strengthened, renewed,” said Janaína dos Santos, a social worker in Porto Alegre, at a recent Women for Climate Resilience workshop.

▲ Women leaders participate in EmpoderaClima’s climate resilience workshop, learning skills and strategies to better prepare for future climate disasters.

Building an Inclusive Climate Future

As climate disasters become more frequent and intense, Renata says her work has never felt more important. “My dream for the future,” she says, “is expanding our reach globally and building an even bigger network of women who are empowered and ready to take action for climate justice.” Technology, she believes, has been vital to EmpoderaClima’s evolution and will be just as critical in scaling impact in the years ahead.

For Renata, the flood marks in her hometown represent not only loss, but also resilience and an opportunity to rebuild with justice at the center. Her vision is clear: a world where women and youth don’t just endure climate challenges but shape climate solutions.

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.

Following Galaxy Unpacked 2025, Samsung Electronics held its Galaxy Tech Forum event on January 23 in San Jose, California. Tech leaders and experts from around the world discussed the future of AI at Blanco, an Urban Venue, a three-story space located in the heart of Silicon Valley that blends historic architecture with a modern white design.

▲ Blanco, an Urban Venue

The forum was organized into four sessions — Sustainability, Health AI, Galaxy AI and Home AI — each addressing the transformative changes and challenges innovation will bring to these areas. With around 100 media representatives and industry professionals in attendance, the panels centered on the disruptive potential of AI and offered blueprints for future technologies across various sectors.

Samsung Newsroom visited the first Galaxy Tech Forum session, titled “How Mobile Technology Can Accelerate a Sustainable Future,” to learn about Samsung’s mobile innovations and partnerships that are contributing to a brighter tomorrow.

Driving Mobile Innovation and Sustainability

Samsung is committed to accelerating a sustainable future for both people and the planet.

▲ (From left) Tamara Gondo, Michael Stewart, Dr. Stuart Sandin, Daniel Araujo and moderator Cassie Smith

Despite the numerous benefits offered to modern society, the rapid growth of the mobile industry has also brought significant environmental challenges. To address those challenges, Samsung has made the actualization of a sustainable future a cornerstone of the company’s vision for mobile devices.

▲ Daniel Araujo from Samsung Electronics

“We’ve made significant progress in fostering sustainable practices throughout our product lifecycle and this is only possible through open collaboration with like-minded partners. And there is even more to come,” said Daniel Araujo, Head of Sustainability Management Office, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics.

“Each device of the S25 series will include at least 50% recycled cobalt, and for the first time in Galaxy history, the battery of the S25 model will be made with recycled cobalt sourced from previously used Galaxy smartphones,” he continued, highlighting Samsung’s advancements in product circularity.

Leveraging Galaxy Camera Technology To Restore Vital Marine Ecosystems

Since the launch of the Galaxy S22 series in 2022, Samsung has incorporated over 150 tonnes of discarded fishing nets — equivalent to the weight of 15 million plastic water bottles — into Galaxy products. Along the way, the company has recognized the critical threat ocean-bound plastic poses to coral reefs and has taken a leading role in restoration efforts through strategic partnerships.

Dr. Stuart Sandin, a professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego said coral reefs are home to a quarter of all marine life, and over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income and protection from storms and erosion. He added that with more than 50% of the world’s coral reefs already lost and ocean-bound plastic threatening the remaining marine ecosystems, new restoration methods using mobile technology are gaining traction.

▲ Dr. Stuart Sandin from the University of California San Diego, Scripps Institute of Oceanography

“We partnered with Samsung because of our shared commitment to innovation and collaboration. Our optimistic and technology-forward approach is contributing to new solutions for coral reef restoration,” said Michael Stewart, co-founder of Seatrees — a nonprofit dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems. His announcement of the organization’s partnership with Samsung was followed by a trailer for an upcoming documentary about the collaborative efforts between the companies.

▲ Michael Stewart from Seatrees

▲ Trailer for the documentary ‘Coral in Focus’

Araujo explained that to support Seatrees’ efforts, Samsung developed Ocean Mode¹ — a new camera setting that optimizes underwater photography on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. He discussed how the feature will provide valuable visual data that can be used to 3D map coral reefs to aid efforts for their restoration. The panelists acknowledged that mobile technology is making environmental conservation more accessible since high-quality data can now be collected with lightweight, user-friendly smartphones.

Empowering Young Leaders Through Technology

“Beyond environmental efforts, Samsung has collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to empower future generations in achieving the Global Goals,” explained moderator Cassie Smith, Senior Manager of Corporate Sustainability and U.S. Public Affairs at Samsung Electronics America. The success of Samsung’s five-year partnership with the UNDP led to the launch of the Samsung Global Goals app and Generation17 initiative.

▲ Cassie Smith from Samsung Electronics America

“Being part of Generation17 gave me confidence, access to resources and a global platform, which opened up a world of possibilities that inspired me to grow my business, Liberty Society, and its impact,” said Tamara Gondo, CEO of Liberty Society — a social enterprise that funds upskilling for marginalized women. “Participating in global events such as Mobile World Congress and the United Nations General Assembly gave me a seat at the decision-making table.”

▲ Tamara Gondo, CEO of Liberty Society and a Generation17 Young Leader

Araujo underscored Tamara’s remarks and stressed the importance of young leaders in achieving the Global Goals, encouraging ongoing efforts and inviting attendees to look forward to the new group of Young Leaders later this year.

The Sustainability session provided an in-depth exploration of how mobile technology can address environmental and social challenges. Samsung’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability is paving the way for meaningful change on a global scale.

¹ Exclusively developed for this project and only available to Seatrees and its partners.

As many young people around the world strive to create a better future for their generation, technology and sports have emerged as powerful tools for fostering social inclusion and cultural exchange. Samsung Electronics, a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in wireless communications and computing equipment, believes that open collaboration and innovative technology can break down barriers and unite people across borders, languages and cultures.

Building on this spirit of inclusivity and collaboration, Samsung Newsroom brought together Generation17 Young Leaders Shomy Chowdhury and Zubair Junjunia, and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Young Leaders Jessie Niles and Omar Bassyouni, for a series of engagements at Olympic rendezvous @ Samsung | Champs-Elysees 125 last week.

Young Leaders Advancing the Global Goals Through Cross-Sector Partnerships

The four Young Leaders connected over their shared commitment to social change advancing the Global Goals, each bringing unique perspectives shaped by their diverse backgrounds and innovative approaches to solving global challenges close to their hearts. From promoting quality education and well-being to championing sustainability and reducing inequalities, their initiatives demonstrated the impact of young changemakers when supported by cross-sector partnerships between businesses and international organizations.

“By bringing together new perspectives and resources from different sectors, we can create innovative solutions that address complex global challenges,” said Junjunia. “My work with ZNotes has shown what we can achieve when technology and community efforts converge to remove the barriers of socio-economic background and create equal access to quality education. Together, we can amplify our efforts to advance the Global Goals.”

“Collaborating across sectors has been key to Ready in Five’s growth. By partnering with educational institutions and corporate organizations, we are incorporating and encouraging movement in everyday activities to promote wellness and drive social change,” Niles shared. “This approach bridges the gap between different stakeholders across sports, education and business, showing that the most innovative solutions emerge when we unite diverse perspectives.”

▲ (From left) Generation17 Young Leaders Shomy Chowdhury and Zubair Junjunia, and IOC Young Leaders Omar Bassyouni and Jessie Niles share their thoughts on creating social impact and advancing the Global Goals.

Game Changers: The Intersection of Sports, Education and Emerging Technology

During a panel, the Young Leaders explored the role of sports and technology in advancing accessibility, equity and sustainability. They delved into how innovative technology, such as adaptive sports technology and wearable devices, can enhance quality of life for individuals with disabilities and make sports more accessible and empowering. 

Team Samsung Galaxy’s Johannes Floors (Para athletics, Germany) — a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, world record holder and silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games — shared how technology is opening access to information about disabilities and accessibility.

“When I was growing up, my parents didn’t have the opportunity to search on the internet for the right orthopedic surgeons for me. When I got my amputation surgery, social media was not as prevalent, and there was limited access to learn more about disabilities. But now, you can look up anything on the internet or on social media to educate yourself,” Floors shared. “Thanks to technology, I have received more messages over the past week from parents of children with the same disability as me than ever. It means the world to know that I can help people with disabilities and inspire others.”

Bassyouni emphasized how technology and data analysis support Para athletes. “Every athlete, whether disabled or able-bodied, has strengths and weaknesses. Technology helps identify these strengths and offers insights to enhance them — like which prosthetics work best or what training maximizes performance. Sports isn’t just about the game. It’s about creating an inclusive space where everyone feels valued, regardless of their abilities. It is very important that we strive to create equal access for everyone in every corner of the world.”

Chowdhury shared how digital platforms enhance access. “Through Awareness360, we’ve empowered over 30,000 young people to take action and connect with those often left behind. Platforms like the Samsung Global Goals app have been crucial in scaling our impact. I’ve met many young changemakers who discovered my story through the app which raises awareness and funds to support the Global Goals — helping more people join the global movement for positive change.”

▲ Generation17 Young Leaders, IOC Young Leaders and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Silver Medalist Johannes Floors gathered for a panel at Olympic rendezvous @ Samsung | Champs-Elysees 125.

Embracing ‘Open always wins’

The engagement between Generation17 and the IOC Young Leaders underscored the critical role of youth leadership in shaping a more equitable world. While global sporting events like the Paralympics inspire global unity, technology acts as a catalyst for innovation and a solution to some of the world’s most pressing issues.

From the words of Floors, “Technology and sports may seem like different worlds — but when they come together, they have the power to create lasting, positive change on a global scale. By embracing the mindset of openness, we exchange information, show our values, create memories and celebrate victories. All this comes together through sports, and technology has made it easier than ever.”

By working together, Samsung and the IOC have demonstrated how openness and collaboration — core values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games — have the potential to change the world for the better.

▲ (From left) Omar Bassyouni, Zubair Junjunia, Johannes Floors of Team Germany, Shomy Chowdhury and Jessie Niles, pose for a Victory Selfie with Para athlete Johannes Floors of Team Germany using the Galaxy Z Flip6’s Show Palm feature.

Elevating the Voice of a Generation To Achieve the Global Goals

Generation17, a joint initiative by Samsung and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), elevates the voices of Young Leaders striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals. Samsung and the UNDP provide mentorship, technology and networking opportunities for the Young Leaders as they advance their work. The initiative removes barriers for Generation17 Young Leaders to be involved in public affairs, and Young Leaders have attended notable events such as the ECOSOC Youth Forum, COP and Climate Week. Generation17 has also strengthened participation on the Samsung Global Goals app which mobilizes users and educates them on ways to support the Global Goals.

IOC Young Leaders Programme Contributes to Olympism 365 Days a Year

Launched in 2016, the IOC Young Leaders Programme empowers young people to leverage the power of sports to make a positive difference in their communities. The Programme contributes to Olympism365, the IOC’s approach to using sports as important enablers of the Global Goals, and specifically to Olympism365’s innovation portfolio that aims to identify, sustain and scale innovative sports-based approaches that deliver concrete impacts in targeted communities.

With the support of the IOC, these inspiring young people have delivered over 160 sport-led projects around the world — promoting education and livelihoods, equality and inclusion, health, peacebuilding and sustainability — to benefit more than 37,000 people.

For more information, please visit IOC Young Leaders Programme and the Olympism365 strategy.

Samsung Global Goals App Helps Raise Awareness and Donations

The Samsung Global Goals app, serviced in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is available in 89 languages, with nearly 300 million Galaxy users engaging with the app worldwide.¹ Through the app, Samsung invites the Galaxy community to learn about the Global Goals and contribute to the Goals of their choosing by donating directly or watching in-app advertisements to generate donations. Only four years after launching, the Galaxy community has raised over USD 17 million to support the Global Goals and promote resiliency around the world.

Despite our collective efforts to help the world achieve the Global Goals by 2030, we stand at a critical moment. The United Nations recently reported that global events have exacerbated systemic challenges and that, in some areas, our progress has either stalled or gone into reverse. Now more than ever, calls to demonstrate commitment to the Global Goals ring louder and Samsung believes that the Galaxy community can help make a difference.

Thank-You Gifts, a New Feature To Encourage the Galaxy Community To Take More Action

Thank-you gifts, following the announcement of the Samsung Global Goals app Donation Leaderboard last year, are the latest in Samsung’s ongoing efforts to encourage the Galaxy community to take action. Through this new feature, Samsung Global Goals app users will be the first to redeem limited-edition wallpapers to showcase on their Samsung Galaxy smartphones and watch faces. Samsung will initially offer three collections of wallpaper and watch face options, highlighting different endangered species and habitats, including black rhinos, sea turtles, sea otters, whale sharks, coral reefs and grasslands among others. These designs will be offered in cool black-and-white and chrome styles.

▲ Three collections of wallpaper and watch face options will be available on the Samsung Global Goals app, highlighting different endangered species and habitats

Each user who engages with the app will be offered a free wallpaper or watch face to download — giving them a chance to help progress the Global Goals and earn prizes along the way. By donating through the app, users can unlock access to other special wallpaper and watch face designs to celebrate their contributions.² Users can also look forward to even more Thank-you gift options as new collections continue to roll out throughout the year.

▲ Samsung Global Goals app users can unlock special wallpaper and watch face designs to celebrate their contributions

Samsung believes that technology can open opportunities for people to make a positive impact in their everyday lives. Join us in our pursuit of the Global Goals for Sustainable Development by visiting the Samsung Global Goals app.

¹ The Samsung Global Goals app is pre-installed on Galaxy smartphones, tablets and smartwatches.
² The number of free gifts and donation gifts may be limited, depending on the style and type.

“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 toward 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 Economic and Social Council (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 Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator. “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 USD 10 million 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

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.

Samsung Electronics today announced the company has reached a significant milestone in its journey to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), or the Global Goals, with a contribution of more than USD10 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The funds were generated through the Samsung Global Goals app and will help UNDP promote resilience and accelerate progress around the world.

Established by the United Nations in 2015, the Global Goals provide a shared blueprint of ambitious milestones for a more equitable, just and sustainable world by 2030. The 17 Global Goals promote collaboration and collective action to address inequality, climate change, ecosystem degradation, education and other pressing global challenges. Samsung embarked on delivering innovative solutions in support of the Global Goals and in 2019 by partnering with UNDP to launch the Samsung Global Goals app. The company’s global Galaxy community has since joined the movement by leveraging the app as a simple yet meaningful tool to make a difference in their daily lives.

Taking Collective Action for the Goals

“At Samsung, we know technology plays a crucial role in solving some of the biggest challenges the world is facing right now,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Through our partnership with UNDP and the Samsung Global Goals app, the Galaxy community has been instrumental in advancing the Global Goals. We want to extend our gratitude to our users for making this incredible milestone possible.”

Actions taken on the Samsung Global Goals app support UNDP’s impactful work. This includes meaningfully engaging youth to achieve the SDGs. UNDP implements policies, advances programs, champions youth initiatives in over 100 countries and supports over 900 youth partnerships.

“As we approach the halfway point of the 2030 deadline, this coming year is crucial in our pursuit to advance the Global Goals,” said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner. “While the world has faced recent setbacks, we are energized by the progress made through this partnership. Together with Samsung, we must reinvigorate our combined efforts to achieve the Goals and inspire the next generation to take action with us.”

Scaling Our Impact

The Samsung Global Goals app is installed on nearly 300 million Galaxy devices worldwide, including smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. Through the app, Samsung raises awareness for the Global Goals while also empowering users to take small actions that amount to big change. The Samsung Global Goals app enables users to donate directly, use wallpapers to increase ad-earnings or generate funding by watching advertisements in the app. To maximize impact, Samsung matches all proceeds through in-app advertisements.¹

Since launching the Samsung Global Goals app in 2019, Samsung has expanded its partnership with UNDP with Generation17, an initiative that elevates the voices of 14 young leaders making meaningful impacts in their communities around the world. The Generation17 Young Leaders play an essential role in inspiring people to deliver impact for the Global Goals.

Samsung also strives to support the Global Goals through its business operations. The company has aligned its corporate ESG strategy with the Global Goals to identify business priorities and communicate performance according to the Goals. The company is also a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact, an initiative that encourages businesses to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies.

To learn more about the Global Goals and take action, visit the Samsung Global Goals app here: http://smsng.co/SGG-App.

To view Samsung’s sustainability progress, check out the 2022 Sustainability Report.

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

¹ Samsung has pledged to match donations with ad proceeds generated through the Global Goals app; up to USD 5 million annually.

To help build a better world, 5% of every Global Goals band purchased will be donated to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), advancing their global work in developing sustainable policies and building resilient institutions in more than 170 countries.

Samsung has also released two new Global Goals watch faces across the globe, which seamlessly integrate with the Samsung Global Goals App. The Samsung Global Goals watch faces make it easier than ever for Samsung Galaxy users to contribute to the causes they care about. For instance, the new watch faces share thought-provoking quotes related to the Goals, and allows Samsung Galaxy users to easily learn more about the Global Goals. The Global Goals watch faces aim to inspire the Samsung Galaxy community to care about and engage with the Goals, which are more important now than ever before.

Mobilizing the Samsung Galaxy Community

In 2015, the UN Sustainable Development Goals — also known as the Global Goals — were developed by world leaders with the target of making the world a better place by 2030. The Global Goals encompass critical global issues, such as inequality, climate change and education, and set a roadmap of ambitious milestones for societal good.

To help accelerate global progress by 2030, Samsung partnered with the UNDP in 2019 to create the Samsung Global Goals App. Installed on over 200 million Samsung Galaxy smartphones worldwide, the app offers simple ways for users to learn about the Global Goals, spread awareness and generate funding for the UNDP’s global initiatives.

With less than 10 years left until the 2030 deadline to achieve the Global Goals, there is an urgent need to act. Samsung’s mission is to inspire people around the world to take small individual actions which, together, can add up to an exponential, global good.

The release of the new Global Goals watch accessories represent one of the small, meaningful steps Samsung is taking to achieve the collective goal.

¹ Sold separately in select markets. The Global Goals watch band is compatible with Samsung Galaxy Watch4, Watch4 Classic, Watch5 and Watch5 Pro.

Benjamin Braun, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Europe, and Generation17 Young Leaders Kristian Kampmann (Denmark), Nadine Khaouli (Lebanon) and Tafara Makaza (Zimbabwe) participated in a series of activities throughout the week, highlighting how technology and creativity can empower the global community, including young changemakers, to make an impact.

▲ Generation17 Young Leaders (Kristian, Nadine and Tafara)

Working for the Future: Samsung and Generation17’s Support of UN Global Goals

Samsung partnered with Project Everyone and Karmarama (part of Accenture Song) to host a panel discussion on how brands can transform talk into action, with a specific focus on uplifting the younger generation and leveraging technology to mobilize communities for the Global Goals.

Benjamin highlighted that “55% of young people are saying that their voices are not being heard.” At Samsung he continued, “We have access to technology” and are “empowering young people by giving them the technology they need to amplify their cause.”

Samsung has been taking an active role by amplifying the voices of young people and harnessing the power of technology and information through Generation17 and the Samsung Global Goals App.

▲ Main stage session held at Theatre Claude Debuusy

During the panel, Nadine emphasized Samsung and UNDP’s support in her fight to alleviate poverty and provide crisis relief resources across her home country of Lebanon. She shared “My mission is to bring dignity to every person in Lebanon,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine a better pairing of brands to help me amplify my voice.”

▲ Benjamin Braun and Nadine Khaouli

Samsung is using its scale to raise awareness for the Global Goals and empower communities to take measurable steps to make an impact. In line with this, Samsung hosted the Samsung Global Goals Photobooth at Cannes Lions, an interactive experience in which festival attendees took fun photos while learning more about the Global Goals and the Samsung Global Goals App. This week also marked the start of Samsung’s work as a Business Avenger, a group of likeminded companies and organizations that are continuously seeking ways to innovate, collaborate and drive progress towards the Global Goals.

Through Generation17 and the Samsung Global Goals App, Samsung is working with UNDP to provide necessary support for the Global Goals. Through these initiatives, Samsung has taken an active role in elevating the voices of the younger generation and harnessing the power of technology to make a difference. These efforts further demonstrate how brands can take tangible action to make a positive impact while empowering people all over the world to do the same.

▲ Samsung Global Goals Photobooth

▲ Frankie the Dino (Utahraptor and UNDP Climate Activist) visiting Samsung Global Goals Photobooth

When I started my career at Samsung 25 years ago, I was a young engineer with a passion for technology and all it could do. Over the years, the capacity of mobile innovation has exceeded even my ambitious expectations. It has brought us conveniences and capabilities that make our lives better, but it has also given us the opportunity to be better. The ability to connect without proximity empowers us to break down barriers and work together to make progress. And with humanity facing some of its most complex challenges yet, we need to collaborate and innovate solutions more than ever before. That’s why I believe mobile technology has a vital role to play in helping us protect our planet.

Samsung has always challenged what’s possible with technology. And now, we are taking our next step towards putting sustainability at the center of our innovations. From eco-conscious materials to global partnerships, we are exploring every opportunity to help power the world with mobile technology that serves as a tool for positive change.

Innovation With Impact

We’ve been on a journey for years at Samsung, marrying sustainability and innovation by using recycled materials in our smartphones, wearables and accessories. In addition to our ongoing effort to use more eco-conscious materials including recycled PCM (post-consumer materials), the new Galaxy smartphones and tablets that were unveiled at our latest Unpacked used select components containing 20% recycled ocean-bound plastic from discarded fishing nets.

We focused our innovation efforts on a pervasive and especially hazardous type of plastic waste that is harming marine life and our natural ecosystems — discarded fishing nets. Every year, 640,000 tons of fishing nets are abandoned in and around our oceans. With help from like-minded partners, we found a way to repurpose them into a new, high-performance material that can be incorporated into critical components of the Galaxy S22 series. From now on, more and more Galaxy devices will play a small part in reducing plastic waste in our oceans.

I know we still have a long way to go. And at Mobile World Congress 2022, we will share our next wave of innovations that incorporate recycled ocean-bound plastics.

Using Technology as a Force for Good

At Samsung, we believe in making mobile technology that has positive environmental impact and putting the power of our Galaxy ecosystem into the hands of passionate change makers.

I’ve seen this firsthand with our growing Generation17 initiative, which Samsung leads in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. Generation17 empowers young activists to take on pressing issues like climate change, education and more, so the world can make headway towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, also known as the Global Goals, by 2030. And with the recent addition of six new Young Leaders, the program now spans countries in Africa, Asia & The Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America and the Middle East and supports work across all 17 Global Goals.

That’s how mobile innovation fuels transformation. It amplifies simple actions and individual voices and brings them together to amount to big, global change.

We Need Collective Action

I am in awe of the impactful ways people are helping to change the world with Galaxy, and I promise our work does not end here. Samsung will continue developing innovative technology that bridges barriers, connects communities and addresses the climate crisis.

Samsung is ready to do more. We will take real action, hold ourselves accountable and share our journey — from our successes to our challenges and lessons learned. We will act with our industry peers, with developers, with the Galaxy community, with everyone, to strengthen technology as a force for good.

“We continue to be inspired by young, innovative visionaries who prove that technology can be a force for good,” said Stephanie Choi, EVP & CMO of the MX Business at Samsung Electronics. “I am honored to welcome these six advocates into the Generation17 community. They embody the type of leadership that our world needs to build more sustainable societies, and I am excited to see how they inspire more people to learn about the 17 Global Goals and join our collective mission to achieve a brighter future.”

With the six advocates, grassroots organizers and entrepreneurs, Generation17 expands to all corners of the world, spanning countries in Africa, Asia, CIS & Europe, North America, Latin America and the Middle East. Their work will raise awareness of global solutions to the urgent issues facing humanity in 2022 and in years to come, as they advance digital innovation, empower refugee women through education and job trainings, coach the elderly about physical and mental health and more:

• AY Young (United States): Musician who produces albums and concerts that share engaging ways to tackle the global energy poverty issue.
• Kristian Kampmann (Denmark): Leader of UNLEASH, an innovation lab that sparks creative and inclusive solutions for the Global Goals.
• Nora Altwaijri (Saudi Arabia): Software engineer who educates people on the Global Goals and connects them to impactful resources through digital platforms.
• Oğuz Ergen (Turkey): Activist who rallies NGOs, academia and government together to address the climate crisis and protect the coastal Aegean region.
• Tamara Dewi Gondo Soerijo (Indonesia): Social enterprise founder who empowers refugee women by providing upskilling opportunities and access to market.
• Thuy Anh Ngo (Vietnam): Entrepreneur who launched a mobile app that equips the elderly with physical and mental health advice and activities.

The Third Cohort of Generation17 Young Leaders

“2022 is a critical year in our pursuit to achieve the Global Goals, as the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed decades of progress in global human development,” said UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner. “Despite this somber reality, I am confident that the strength and perseverance of the young generation will help us build back better from the crisis and propel positive change on education, inclusion and climate. These six Young Leaders and the entire Generation17 community remind us that we need to step up our efforts to achieve the Global Goals and protect our collective futures.”

An Initiative Driven by and for Young People

Since its launch, Generation17 has been spearheaded by and in support of young people. Samsung and UNDP continuously engage with the Young Leaders to determine their biggest needs and discover support systems to help scale and advance their work. Together, the two entities provide the latest Galaxy technology, amplify their stories on global platforms, facilitate peer networking and best-practice sharing, offer mentorship opportunities and invite them to global agenda-setting stages like the UN ECOSOC Youth Forum.

In 2022 and beyond, Samsung and UNDP are committed to exploring new ways to partner with the Young Leaders. This includes convening the first-ever “Generation17 Youth Dialogues,” an event to rally Global Goals advocates from all over the world for knowledge sharing on how people can best navigate the Global Goals and achieve a more sustainable future.

The 14 Young Leaders will connect people to solutions that actively contribute to the Global Goals, including the Samsung Global Goals app. Launched in 2019 by Samsung and UNDP, the app provides learning opportunities on the Global Goals and shares easy and meaningful ways to make a difference. The app is currently installed on nearly 200 million Galaxy devices and has generated more than US$4 million in donations to educate the Galaxy community about the world’s most pressing challenges and strengthen UNDP’s work in supporting countries to implement integrated solutions for the Global Goals.

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

Dear Galaxy Community,

Over the past year, we’ve all been reminded of technology’s vital role in our lives. It has kept us connected in these difficult times and enabled us to work and learn, no matter where we are in the world. But beyond that, it has kept us hopeful. Technology has inspired us and enabled us to do good by serving as a powerful tool capable of bringing communities together to drive positive change.

I would like to spotlight a group of young people who, in the midst of a global pandemic, have truly embodied this spirit of innovation. They’re finding creative ways to harness technology to defy barriers and build a better world at a time when we urgently need to make progress.

In celebration of the United Nations’ 75^th Anniversary, Samsung and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) expanded our partnership to launch Generation17, an initiative to magnify the voices of young leaders who are helping to achieve the Global Goals for Sustainable Development.

Our Generation17 Young Leaders are committed activists, each with the strong will and unwavering determination to build a better future for all by 2030. Spanning Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, they are already making incredible strides on pressing global challenges.

A Generation Driven by Purpose

Now more than ever, we must elevate the voice of young generations and unlock their collective power to advance the Global Goals. Our future depends on their ingenuity, dedication and optimism. We need their abiding sense of purpose.

Millennials and Gen Z are, by and large, fluent in technology. More than two-thirds of their generation have a smartphone.¹ They’re also natural changemakers. More than 86% believe they can make a difference.² They are passionate activists who truly seek to make positive change in everything they do and are determined to create a better world for all. And because they’ve grown up in a largely borderless, online world, Samsung aims to amplify their spirit of global community. Both generations are visionary, but they need resources that help them realize their aspirations and help society continue to grow and evolve.

That’s why Samsung and the UNDP are supporting the next generation. We’re propelling young people to do good by giving them the technology to create change and the means to make their voices heard. Samsung is proudly using our global reach to help these young leaders tell their stories and advance their missions, while the UNDP is leveraging its issue expertise and grassroots operations to supply young leaders with the necessary skills and resources they need to make a meaningful impact.

After first partnering with the UNDP over two years ago to transform the Galaxy ecosystem into a powerful enabler for collective activism, this marks an important next step in our ongoing journey towards helping the world achieve the Global Goals in less than 10 years.

Taking Action, Together 

The journey to achieve the Global Goals is not easy. It requires a committed and coordinated effort across the public and private sectors, as well as groups and individuals. As Generation17 demonstrates, we can all enact big change if we tap our passion and determination together. And the Galaxy community has the opportunity to embrace our purpose and help shape a better future.

Today, we’re welcoming even more young leaders to our Generation17 community, a group that once again shows the power of technology to make these critical connections. From Daniel Calarco’s quest for improved equality in Brazil; Nadine Khaouli’s inspiring crisis response in Lebanon; Yurii Romashko’s use of technology to power data-based decision making; and to Yejin Choi’s AI-based approach to children’s wellbeing in South Korea – it’s only the beginning.

These young innovators are an integral part of the Samsung Galaxy community, and they do not stand alone. Even the smallest everyday actions can add up to exponential good and that’s why we’re grateful to the millions of Galaxy users who are standing with our young leaders. As of January, the Samsung Global Goals app — a platform where Galaxy users can learn about the Goals and work together for greater good — has been installed on over 100 million Galaxy smartphones worldwide.

We’re proud of our shared mission and impactful partnership with the UNDP and we are continuing to explore new ways to evolve our collaboration. We will continue to find ways to support young leaders and identify new opportunities to mobilize our Galaxy community to achieve the Global Goals.

We invite each and every one of you to learn more about the young leaders and join us in our cause by visiting https://generation17.undp.org.

Thank You,

Stephanie Choi

SVP & Head of Marketing of Mobile Communications Business

Samsung Electronics

¹ “Smartphone Ownership Is Growing Rapidly Around the World, but Not Always Equally.” Pew Research Center, Washington, D.C., (2019) https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2019/02/05/in-emerging-economies-smartphone-adoption-has-grown-more-quickly-among-younger-generations/

² “The Millennial Impact Report: 10 Years Looking Back” Case Foundation, Washington D.C., (2018)

As leaders meet virtually for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, they face an unprecedented challenge over the next ten years to continue achieving progress on the Global Goals in the face of the biggest global health crisis of our time. COVID-19 has changed the world as we know it and, as leaders of the tech industry, we know we have a responsibility to help move society forward.

We recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of our partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations lead agency on the socio-economic response to the pandemic. This partnership allowed us to transform the Galaxy smartphone into a powerful platform through our Samsung Global Goals app and mobilize the Galaxy community to take small actions toward the achievement of the Global Goals. And today, we’re excited to announce that thanks to our dedicated Galaxy fans usage of the app, we’ve raised over $1M in donations to the UNDP.

Simple Acts Generating Meaningful Change

The funds generated by Galaxy users have contributed directly to UNDP’s progress towards the Global Goals and have supported major achievements in improving the quality of education, combating climate change, and advocating for gender equality.

The Samsung Global Goals app has also supported the immediate crisis and the long-term recovery from COVID-19. Galaxy users, through the app, were able to direct increased funding to the WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and UNDP’s ongoing effort to build resilience for those deeply affected by the pandemic.

More Tools to Create a Big Impact

During this crucial time, Samsung and UNDP have provided users with the ability to make an impact through simple acts. Galaxy users can engage with short ads to generate revenue for UNDP and use wallpapers to increase ad-earnings while their phone is charging. This places an easy solution that makes a notable difference directly into the hands of Galaxy users to use whenever and wherever they want.

Additionally, as part of our partnership with UNDP, Samsung introduced special edition accessories, and a portion of revenue from the sales of each accessory goes to UNDP in support of the Global Goals. The accessories include the Global Goals Edition cover for the Note10, Note10+, and the Kvadrat case for S20+, as well as the Global Goals Edition wireless charger stand.

Power the Global Goals with the New Galaxy S20 FE

To continue this incredible momentum, the Samsung Global Goals app is pre-installed on all of the latest Galaxy smartphones, including the Galaxy S20 FE. The newly released Galaxy S20 FE brings our purposeful innovations to even more users around the world, so they can use the best of Galaxy to do the things they love like discovering new ways to make a difference.

Young people today are driven by purpose, and we continue to witness their unwavering passion to make a positive impact on society – using their smartphones to connect with each other and drive change. Now equipped with the Samsung Global Goals app on the Galaxy S20 FE, millions of people can unite around the Global Goals with a direct path to action in more than 170 countries, and help the world accomplish lasting progress by 2030.

Samsung Global Goals app on the Galaxy S20 FE

Continued Commitment

We are dedicated to empowering the Galaxy community to take small actions that can add up to incredible change. We now have less than ten years to achieve the Global Goals by 2030, and we are committed to our partnership with UNDP to help build a better future for all.

In fact, the past few months we’ve been working together with UNDP on a new initiative that will mobilize a cohort of young leaders who embody our joint mission of positive change and are at the forefront of building innovative solutions. We’re excited to share more details soon.

We are steadfast in our belief that technology is an instrument of incredible impact, and together, we will rally an entire generation – and the world – to act on the Global Goals.

In order to provide simple ways for Galaxy users to come together to support the Global Goals, Samsung and the UNDP launched an education and donation-based app, Samsung Global Goals. The app provides Galaxy users with the ability to learn more about the Global Goals and take part in small actions to help address the issues that matter most to them.

To provide the best user experience possible, along with more ways to get involved, Samsung is bringing a range of updates to the Samsung Global Goals app this January.

More Ways to Join in and Give Back

The Samsung Global Goals app offers a range of ways for users to support and give back to the Global Goals. By engaging with advertisements in the app, users are able to donate 100% of an ad’s revenue to the Global Goals. Samsung also recently announced that it will match all proceeds generated through the in-app advertisements to help maximize donations and make an impact, meaning that effectively 200% of ad revenue from the app will be donated to the UNDP by Samsung¹.

The app also allows users to donate directly in support of the Global Goals to the UNDP. With the latest app updates, users will be able to use both Samsung Pay and Google Pay² native payment mechanisms when donating. This will allow users to directly donate to the UNDP and the Goal of their choice by simply clicking and then confirming using biometric authentication – making it easier than ever to make a difference and donation to the #Global Goals campaign.

Samsung is also making it easier for users to opt into features that help generate more ad earnings, even when their phone is charging. Users can currently opt into the ‘Charge Screen ads’ feature in the Donate tab of the app, which will show ads on the device’s lock screen when it is plugged in to charge. As part of the update, the app will now prompt new users with a pop-up message providing information on this feature once their device has been plugged in to charge. This feature can be easily toggled off and on anytime in the Donate tab.

Additionally, users will be able to enjoy a wider range of lock screen options in the app’s Global Goals Lockscreen Wallpapers section, which can easily be managed in the app’s Settings page. The new wallpapers now support a wider selection of inspirational quotes, dynamic visuals, and graphic styles, making easier to stay engaged and inspired to contribute.

The update also brings several other UX upgrades to the Samsung Global Goals app. App notification messages have been streamlined for improved usability, each Goals’ Facts and Figures information is now more clearly linked to each Goal and users can more easily see which version of the app they are running. Galaxy users in Korea will also now be able to learn about the K-SDGs, or Korean Sustainable Development Goals, in the Samsung Global Goals app thanks to a collaboration with Korea’s Ministry of Environment.

The Samsung Global Goals app is available for download through the Galaxy Store and Google Play. To learn more about the Samsung Global Goals, visit here.

¹ Samsung has pledged to match donations with ad proceeds generated through the Global Goals app; up to US$5 million annually.

² Donations through Samsung Pay or Google Pay will be available in 5 markets following the current update, including the U.S., Singapore, Australia, the U.K., and Canada. This feature will be available in more regions in the future.

DJ Koh, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics today announced, at the Samsung Developer Conference 2019 (SDC19), new ways its platforms will enable developers to introduce simpler, more powerful experiences to consumers around the world. Samsung shared its vision for the next era of mobile and connected living, offering inspiration to developers, enterprise leaders, and consumers through innovative experiences with the devices they rely on every day.

“We are fortunate to work with the world’s best developers and designers. Together, we have built an extensive and secure ecosystem of devices and services,” said DJ Koh, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics. “We continue to make progress toward our vision to be the innovator of new mobile experiences that flow seamlessly and continuously wherever we go.”

Creating Opportunities for Developers through Open, Scalable AI and IoT Platforms

ES Chung, EVP and Head of Software and AI, Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics, outlines plans to enrich Bixby to offer users “countless new ways to integrate intelligence into everything you do.”

To help consumers discover new ways Bixby can work with them to get things done more quickly and easily, Samsung launched Bixby Marketplace earlier this year, creating a way for developers to introduce their Bixby capsules to millions of Bixby users. In the past six months, the size of the Bixby developer community has doubled. And starting in 2020, the Bixby Marketplace will expand gradually, enabling developers to offer their services across more Samsung devices.

To make it easier for developers to create new experiences on its AI platform and ensure consumers have more intuitive experience, Samsung announced enhanced capabilities in the Bixby Developer Studio at SDC19.

• New Bixby Templates makes it easy for developers to create capsules using pre-existing forms so that they don’t have to start from scratch.
• Enhanced Bixby Views enable developers to build capsules with a consistent design even beyond smartphones—to televisions, tablets, smart watches and refrigerators.
• Developers can now register their capsules under Natural Language Categories. When users ask Bixby for help related to a category—such as radio, news, or navigation—Bixby suggests a capsule that can help them get what they need more quickly and easily, even without having to call out exact name of the capsule.

Larry Heck, CEO of Viv Labs, Samsung Electronics, introduces new Natural Language Categories, which simplify how users engage with and discover Bixby capsules.

More consumers than ever are seeing how seamlessly connected devices and services can make everyday life easier. Developers can scale their device and service offerings through Samsung’s IoT platform, SmartThings. Already, developers and partners have brought connected experiences to more than 45 million monthly active users and thousands of compatible devices, and the platform is expected to grow further with the Work as a SmartThings Hub (WASH) program, which allows partners like network operators to embed SmartThings Hub software into their devices.

To help developers build on and integrate existing devices with the SmartThings platform, Samsung announced new capabilities for developers:

• The new Rules API brings to life more automated smart home experiences to reflect individual daily routines across a broad range of SmartThings devices.
• Samsung is launching the SmartThings Device SDK Beta program in early 2020 to enable more third-party manufacturers to create SmartThings-compatible devices.

Samsung continues to invite developers to actively participate in its ecosystem and supports the developer community with several incentive programs—including the Best of Galaxy Store Award, the Samsung Mobile Design Competition, Bixby DevJam and the Samsung Mobile Security Reward program.

Inspiring Developers with New Experiences Across Devices

Samsung continued to refine the mobile experience to allow users to focus on what matters most to them. One UI 2 includes new features that declutter the user interface—making it easier for people to interact naturally, while also making it easier on their eyes. And now, to make both the developer and the user experiences consistent across devices, Samsung is expanding the use of One UI 2 beyond smartphones to tablets, wearables, and new form factors, including foldables.

Sally Hyesoon Jeong, VP and Head of Framework R&D Group, Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics, introduces an all-new, compact form factor for foldable devices.

With the launch of Galaxy Fold, Samsung designed a first-of-its kind mobile experience that is much more than a foldable device. Samsung, alongside hundreds of developers and partners, created an entire foldable ecosystem that continues grow and opens up new possibilities to the mobile experience. As promised at SDC last year, Samsung will continue to explore a range of new form factors in the foldable category. And at SDC19, Samsung invited developers and users alike to join the exploration of exciting new use cases and user experiences.

To deliver the best possible TV viewing experience, Samsung is also investing in 8K technologies. With AI ScaleNet, Samsung has made it possible to stream high-quality 8K videos on networks with lower bandwidth capabilities. Samsung has also announced new tools that make it easier for developers to bring new experiences across the nearly 100 million Smart TVs that are powered by Tizen.

• Wits automatically uploads a code edit to the TV, so developers can see their update almost immediately, significantly trimming development time.
• EasyST makes testing content playback much easier because developers don’t need to build their own test app to make sure their content is streaming as intended.
• TIFA (Tizen Identifier for Advertising) gives consumers the option to limit ad tracking or opt-out of targeted advertising
• Samsung is making Tizen TV OS available to third-party TV makers for the first time.

End-to-End Security Built in Every Solution and Experience

Terry Halvorsen, CIO and EVP, IT of Mobile Communications B2G Business, Samsung Electronics, discusses the importance of stout security solutions like Samsung Knox – particularly in today’s hyperconnected world.

Emerging technologies, such as IoT, AI and 5G, are bringing new capabilities and opportunities to the developer landscape. For Samsung, it means providing the community with the tools and programs necessary to deliver secure and reliable solutions.

Secure Development Lifecycle delivers systematic reviews at every phase of the development, supply chain, and manufacturing process. To give both developers and users peace of mind, Samsung offers the Knox SDK, allowing partners and app developers to integrate advanced security solutions to their apps and services. In addition, Samsung has been working with German government agencies, especially BSI, and industry partners on developing a mobile-enabled eID for digital services to support customers and governments by developing a solid foundation for trusted identity services.

Seungyun Lee, Principal Engineer, Knox Platform for Enterprise, Samsung Electronics, discusses features that make Samsung Knox attractive to developers. “Knox is software that is built around hardware root of trust, not just implemented after the device is built” Lee explains, “giving it a foundation like no other security system in the market.”

Samsung invites developers and partners on its journey to bring new and secure experiences to life. For more information about working with Samsung and the Samsung Developer Conference 2019, please visit sdc.developer.samsung.com. Further information can also be found on Twitter (@samsung_dev) and using the hashtag #SDC19.

SDC19’s keynote event was packed with people eager to learn more about Samsung’s latest innovations

About Samsung Developer Conference
SDC brings together thousands of developers and creators to explore today’s tech and visualize what’s possible in the future. The two-day conference will feature exciting keynote announcements, technical sessions and valuable networking time. Plus, Samsung product teams and technology partners will showcase the latest tech advances and tools.

* All services and programs mentioned above may vary by region.