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 programme 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 the 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 marginalised voices in climate advocacy.

Leveraging Technology for Impact

Following years of advocacy and study, Renata founded EmpoderaClima, a climate and gender advocacy and education organisation with a simple principle: knowledge is empowerment, and empowerment is equality. It originally launched as a website in 2019 using technology to democratise 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 breaks down language barriers that had excluded communities from international climate discussions. And social media enabled the organisation 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 organisation now runs student workshops, offers climate and leadership mentorship programmes 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 programme, 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 Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North America, to address 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, mobilise 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 with each new Young Leader bringing 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 each of them.

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

“At 17, it struck me that we we’re nothing but a small speck in a big world that remains largely unexplored—that if we continue 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 realise 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 organisation 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-stigmatise 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

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 organisation’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. The collaboration began in 2019 with the launch of the Samsung Global Goals App—a mobile platform that educates users about the Global 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 USD 20 million to support UNDP’s global environmental and social initiatives.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 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.}

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 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.

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