We live in an era where, in addition to convenience, people seek comfort, safety, and peace of mind. The Samsung SmartThings app delivers all of that, and more. More than just a smart home app, SmartThings has evolved into an intelligent lifestyle assistant. Working in the background to simplify life, SmartThings is helping us care for our loved ones, human or furry, and make our homes more responsive to who we are and how we live.

From supporting pet owners with peace of mind while they’re away, to empowering elderly family members to live independently with dignity, SmartThings is redefining what it means to live in a connected home. It’s no longer just about automation but about meaningful, everyday support.

With SmartThings, you discover a new way to enjoy your home, turning it into a smart thoughtful home. Powered by AI, automation and seamless integration across Samsung devices and compatible third-party gadgets, SmartThings creates a home that adapts to your needs.

Let’s explore how SmartThings is quietly reshaping real lives across various moments and milestones.

Pet Care – When you’re away, SmartThings^[1] stays close^*

Whether you’re a dog-dad rushing to work or a cat-mom on a weekend getaway, SmartThings can help you stay connected to your pets and their wellbeing.^[2]

• Set automated feeding times using connected smart feeders^[3]
• Use sensors and cameras to get instant alerts if your pet sneaks into the pantry or opens the front door^[4]
• Adjust the room temperature remotely to keep your pet comfy during heat waves or cold fronts.
• Treat your pet from afar using smart treat dispensers you can control via voice or app.

Elderly Assistance – Supporting Independence Safely^*

For families with elderly loved ones living alone or in care facilities, SmartThings offers peace of mind and practical support – without intruding on their independence.

• Motion sensors can track activity and notify family if there is no movement in the morning for example.
• Smart buttons allow older users to call for help with a single press.
• Voice commands and automated routines make it easier to control lights, call family, or adjust blinds – ideal for people with mobility issues.
• Medication reminders and evening lighting routines help establish structure and reduce the risk of accidents.

With SmartThings, elderly care becomes less about constant monitoring and more about empowerment.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability^*

The SmartThings Energy dashboard makes it possible to track appliances that use a lot of energy, and helps your home optimise them for you.

• Monitor energy use across connected devices.
• Set up “Away” routines to switch off unused appliances and lights when you’re not home.
• Use AI to optimise air-conditioning or heating based on room occupancy and outside weather^[5]
• Even better, shift high-energy appliances like washing machines to run during off-peak hours to save money and reduce grid load.

SmartThings is turning sustainability from a responsibility into an easy lifestyle habit.

Security – Because Peace of Mind Matters Most

SmartThings offers a robust set of features that help keep your home and the people in it secure. Sync with smart locks and door sensors^[6] to get notified if a door is opened unexpectedly. SmartThings lets you monitor live feeds from your smart cameras in real-time, whether you’re in the next room or across the country. You can also automate lights to switch on at sunset, even when you’re not home, to deter would-be intruders. It’s like having a personal security assistant, working 24/7 in the background.

Emotional Wellness and Daily Flow – Your Home, Your mood

SmartThings doesn’t just automate, it harmonises. With custom routines, it helps create intentional moments of calm or energy depending on what your day demands. From creating a “Wind Down” routine that dims the lights, lowers the thermostat, and plays ambient sounds or calming music, to connecting with meditation apps that help your home’s environment adjust to you.

SmartThings is quietly building homes that are intelligent and compassionate – homes that notice, help and adapt. Whether you’re looking out for your golden retriever, your grandmother, your toddler or just trying to make life run a bit more smoothly, SmartThings offers a universe of connected possibilities^**.

^[1] To use SmartThings, download the App from the Galaxy Store, Google Play Store, or Apple App Store. The SmartThings App requires Android OS 10↑ with a minimum of 3GB RAM space or iOS 15↑. Supported OS specifications and app screen configuration may change with app updates.

^[2] Only dogs and cats can be recognized. The recognition capabilities may be limited by the posture or position of a pet. The ability to recognize your pet may vary depending on the type of animal and the living environment. It only recognizes a pet presence based on generic visual indicators, and cannot identify individual pets.

^[3] The availability of SmartThings Pet Care’s monitoring feature may vary by region and is only supported on the Jet Bot Combo AI and Jet Bot AI+ model.

^[4] SmartThings is integrated with advanced connected sensors.

^[5] features of the models vary.

^[6] Features of the models vary.

^{*Devices that include a built-in SmartThings Hub include: Samsung TVs (models released after 2022: QN900*/ QN800*/ QN700*/ QN95*/ S95*/ QN90*/ QN85*/ Q80*/ Q70*/ Q60*/ *U8/ The Serif / The Frame / The Sero), Smart Monitors (Models M50* or higher for models released after 2022), Sound Bars (HW-Q990* and HW-LS60* for models released after 2022), Family Hub refrigerators (USA after 2017 and Korean release models, excluding RH9000), SmartThings Stations, and SmartThings Hubs v2/v3. For 2022 or earlier models, a separate accessory called a SmartThings Dongle is required to connect Thread and Zigbee devices. Most models after 2023 have a built-in SmartThings Dongle, so a separate accessory is not required. Please check the detailed information about each product.}

^{**T&Cs apply.}

Supporting Marine Ecosystems Through Global Collaboration

Introduced at Galaxy Unpacked in January 2025, Coral in Focus is an initiative launched last year that supports local communities, including Fiji, Indonesia and the United States, to restore coastal ecosystems.

Samsung has partnered with Seatrees, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring marine ecosystems, to explore new, innovative solutions for coral reef restoration. The company has introduced Ocean Mode ^[1] on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, an exclusive camera feature that enables vivid image capture even underwater. These images provide accurate visual data for marine researchers who create 3D photogrammetry models to continuously monitor and analyze coral reefs. Local partner organizations then use these findings to guide their on-site coral restoration efforts.

Ocean Mode: How Galaxy Camera Innovation Is Helping Restore Coral Reefs

Partners and local field teams use Ocean Mode to reduce the excessive blue tones common in underwater photography, allowing for a more accurate representation of coral colors. The feature also helps minimize motion blur through optimized shutter speed and multi-frame image processing. Additionally, the interval shooting function enables thousands of high-resolution coral images to be captured in a single session — improving both efficiency and image clarity.

With these coral restoration initiatives, photos taken with Ocean Mode have been used to produce 17 3D models of coral reefs to analyze the health and growth of reefs. In total, 11,046 coral fragments were planted to restore 10,705 square meters of coral reef habitat — roughly the size of 25 basketball courts.

Since unveiling its “Galaxy for the Planet” environmental vision in 2021, Samsung has continued its efforts toward a more sustainable future — not only by incorporating ocean-bound plastics from discarded fishing nets into its products but also by expanding into marine ecosystem restoration. These actions reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact across the entire product life cycle and beyond.

^[1] Ocean Mode was exclusively developed for this project and is only available to participating partners.

Priscilla Efe Johnson is a member of Generation17, a partnership between Samsung and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), empowering young people around the world who are contributing to the Global Goals.

The first time she got her period, Efe Johnson was scared, even ashamed. “I did not know what was happening to me because nobody ever told me what to expect,” says Efe, now 24. “It was a very traumatic experience.”

Like many young girls born and raised in Kaduna State, Nigeria, she had questions about her body while growing up. But she lacked access to basic information around women’s health. It was taboo, which perpetuated a stigma across generations of women.

According to UNESCO, two out of three girls in sub-Saharan Africa lack comprehensive health knowledge and skills. As she got older, Efe became determined to break this dangerous and painful cycle of silence and shame for young girls — and she knew education through storytelling and innovation was the key.

Efe teaches girls about menstruation and feminine hygiene while leading a Xari Africa school tour in Kaduna State.

Shattering Stigma, Opening Access

Efe began visiting local schools to distribute free sanitary pads. That’s when she discovered that many girls had never used feminine hygiene products and didn’t have a safe space in their communities to talk about their experiences and ask questions.

Keeping girls in the dark about these topics can contribute to sexually transmitted diseases, gender-based violence and teen pregnancy, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where the adolescent birth rate is more than twice the global average. It can also impede their schooling and economic advancement. In 2021, 23% of Nigerian girls missed school because of menstruation.

The more girls Efe met early on, through her visits to local schools, the more she connected with their experiences. “I see myself in them,” she says. “I see girls who have no one to help them understand their bodies. I see girls who desperately wish they had someone to talk to. I tell them, ‘I get it, and I’m here for you.’”

That’s what inspired Efe to start her own organisation, Xari Africa, a nonprofit that provides girls with access to reproductive and sexual health education and resources. Her mission: helping young women and girls feel empowered about their bodies and be able to make informed decisions about their health and future.

During a community event, Efe discusses her support for the Global Goals

Harnessing Innovation for Educational Equity

The organisation began on a mobile platform in 2017 where Efe connected with other young people in Kaduna State working on gender equity. This online community was empowering for her as a young entrepreneur, and it enabled her to garner the volunteers, resources and funding to officially launch Xari Africa the following year.

Today, technology continues to amplify the nonprofit’s efforts by spreading awareness about its school tours, educational materials and events through social media.  It powers their efforts to support the United Nation’s Global Goals, including ending poverty (Goal 1), delivering quality education (Goal 4), achieving gender equality and stopping violence against women and girls (Goal 5).

The school workshops cover everything from birth control to sexual boundaries and disease prevention – a first for the girls. These engaging events are also building a greater sense of community among girls and creating a supportive environment for asking sensitive questions and sharing personal, and sometimes painful, experiences. The workshops have reached more than 4,500 Nigerian students so far.

Crystal, a 15-year-old workshop participant, describes Xari Africa’s visit to her school in 2021 as transformative. “Efe was able to create a space where I could say things that were haunting me inside that I couldn’t say to anyone,” says Crystal. “Now I feel I can inspire other young girls to speak up.”

Despite her organisation’s success in Kaduna State, working in conservative and at times in hostile environments, Efe dreams of supporting more girls throughout Africa and beyond. Technology continues to extend Xari Africa’s reach. In 2023, her team launched an online academy to bridge critical gaps in health education worldwide. The growing digital library of interactive courses and imaginative animations allows parents, teachers, advocates and girls to learn about the female body privately without embarrassment or fear.

“The dream is to reach at least a million girls across Africa,” Efe says. “With technology, we can make reproductive and sexual health education more accessible, and we’ll be able to achieve our goal much faster.”

At home in Johannesburg, South Africa, a girl learns about period health using Xari Africa’s online academy.

A Creative Catalyst for Change

To make sexual health education and knowledge accessible to more adolescent girls, Xari Africa published a free menstruation guide, “Just Period It,” that covers pregnancy prevention and hygienic period practices. The nonprofit has distributed 3,500 copies of the book, which uses easy-to-follow storytelling coupled with vibrant, educational visuals to destigmatise and simplify complex topics.

Efe wanted “Just Period It” to be illuminating but also relatable for girls– taboo topics needed to be accessible, as they are an important part of growing up. So, she drew on her personal experience with period shame and touched on common misconceptions about women’s health. She worked closely with a designer on the artwork, blending informational drawings with empowering female imagery.

Xari Africa’s guidebook uses bold, inspiring imagery and an approachable, conversational tone to teach girls about their bodies.

Despite the inherent risks to her and her team’s personal safety while breaking barriers in traditional communities, Efe remains committed to the Global Goals and making the world safer and more equitable for future generations of women and girls. And, in particular, she’s ensuring that the journey from childhood to womanhood is better understood and embraced.

“This fight, this passion, is personal,” Efe says. “I advocate for health education because it’s something I never received, and I’m making a safe space for kids and teens because I didn’t have one. I want better for girls like me.”

To learn more, visit Xari Africa.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/za

Samsung’s Involvement in the Olympic Games

Samsung has been a Worldwide Olympic Partner since the Olympic Winter Games Nagano 1998. For over 25 years, athletes and fans have trusted Samsung’s transformative mobile technology to share the Olympic spirit globally and continue to shape the digital future of the Olympic Games for Beijing 2022 and beyond. The company’s commitment to the Olympic Movement will enter its fourth decade of partnership and extend through Los Angeles 2028. Samsung’s purposeful innovations in the wireless communications and computing equipment category, including the activations of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and 5G features of that equipment will change the way the world experiences the Olympic Games.

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Paralympic Games

Samsung is a Worldwide Partner of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in the wireless communications and computing equipment category. Starting from Paralympic Winter Games Torino 2006, the company has proudly supported the Paralympic Movement and enabled athletes and fans around the world to share the excitement and inspiration of the Games through Samsung’s transformative mobile technology. Samsung’s commitment to the Paralympic Games will extend through to Los Angeles 2028 and be celebrated through innovative mobile and computing experiences powered by purposeful innovations in the wireless communications and computing equipment category, including the activations of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and 5G features of that equipment.

In an era where environmental preservation is paramount, Samsung continues to contribute towards a greener future, integrating eco-conscious practices into every facet of its operations and product offerings. The company’s dedication to sustainability is not just a corporate ethos but a responsibility to future generations. Below are some of its notable innovations that contribute towards a healthier environment.

Eco-Packaging: With its various eco-friendly initiatives, Samsung is prioritising sustainable packaging practices. By utilising recyclable materials, reducing packaging waste, and implementing innovative design strategies, the company strives to minimise its environmental footprint throughout the product lifecycle, from production to disposal. A big part of this is upcycling of the boxes that come with the company’s lifestyle TV models such as The Frame and The Serif. The special cardboard boxes are designed to allow consumers to upcycle the packaging their televisions come in into small, versatile pieces of furniture. The thick, corrugated cardboard that the packaging is comprised of can be used to construct small tables and shelves, and building instructions can be accessed by scanning QR codes on the outsides of the boxes.

Energy-Efficiency: Samsung’s line of energy-efficient appliances is designed to minimise energy consumption without compromising performance. From refrigerators and washing machines to air conditioners and televisions, these appliances incorporate cutting-edge technology to conserve energy and water, helping consumers reduce their carbon footprint and utility bills. Moreover, washing machines and dishwashers come with advanced features like sensor-based controls and efficient water circulation systems to reduce water consumption and promote sustainable living practices.

E-Waste Recycling Initiatives: Samsung is committed to responsible e-waste management through our comprehensive recycling programs. The company ensures that end-of-life electronic products are ethically recycled, diverting electronic waste from landfills and recovering valuable resources for reuse in new products, contributing to a circular economy and minimising environmental degradation. Through one of its corporate social investment programmes, the Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP), Samsung has supported and invested in Matongoni Group, a local company which specialises in the recycling of electronic waste and materials from shopping centres, industrial and agricultural activities and landfill sites.

Eco-Friendly Materials: The pursuit of sustainable manufacturing practices has seen Samsung using eco-friendly materials in product design and production processes. The environmental footprint is reduced through the incorporation of recycled plastics, bio-based materials, and other sustainable alternatives into products, promoting resource conservation and waste reduction.

SolarCell Remote: Samsung developed the SolarCell Remote to combat the environmental impact of discarding used batteries. It is a rechargeable remote control, with a solar panel (solar cell) that can be charged by sunlight or indoor lighting. The remote can also be charged with a USB-C cable so consumers have many ways to charge their remote.

Environmental Partnerships: Samsung collaborates with environmental organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as well as government and communities to address global environmental challenges and promote sustainability initiatives. Through strategic partnerships and collective action, the company works towards a shared vision of a greener, more sustainable future for all.

SmartThings for a Healthier Environment: Samsung’s SmartThings platform is revolutionising the way we interact with our surroundings, enabling users to create connected ecosystems that enhance efficiency and conserve resources. Through intelligent sensors, automated controls, and seamless integration with smart devices, SmartThings optimises energy usage, reduces waste, and promotes sustainable living. Moreover, in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, Samsung’s AI Energy Management solutions optimise energy consumption across various product offerings. AI Energy Mode generates real-time hourly, daily, weekly and monthly histories of your energy consumption, compared to the amount spent in that period and by device, reducing costs and making life easier at all times with its many functions. Machine learning brings a wide range of benefits to areas of the home and your everyday life, by understanding your routine and adapting to save energy intelligently. From times of usage and weighing the loads of clothes in your washing machine to defining the defrost cycles of your refrigerator, AI Energy Mode intelligently learns usage patterns and controls all kinds of variables, all leading to optimised energy usage.

“These concerted efforts reinforce our commitment to an environmentally friendly business approach and set the tone for responsible innovation in the consumer electronics industry. As we commemorate Earth Day 2024, we are reminded that it is not the responsibility of one person or company but all of us to make the necessary moves and changes that will drive positive environmental change. Through sustainable innovation and by integrating eco-conscious features in our products, promoting responsible manufacturing practices, and fostering a culture of sustainability, we believe we are helping pave the way for a better future for our planet and future generations,” said Mike van Lier, Vice President for Consumer Electronics at Samsung Electronics South Africa.

In a deliberate move to tackle global environmental challenges, Samsung has been using a variety of innovative technologies to implement sustainability throughout its production process and product life cycle – from design and development to manufacturing, usage, takeback and recycling.

Driven through its Environmental Strategy: “Everyday Sustainability”, Samsung plans to reduce its environmental impact with the ultimate goal of achieving net zero direct and indirect emissions by 2050. A symbol of progress specifically for Samsung MX’s sustainability journey has to be the latest Galaxy S24 series powered by Galaxy AI. This most recent flagship continues Samsung’s efforts to advance circularity and longevity in its products. With this series, the company has focused on incorporating recycled materials, eliminating plastic from packaging and extending the product lifecycle.

This Galaxy S24 series has deeply entrenched the company’s commitment to finding innovative ways to reduce its carbon emissions. However, the use of such innovative solutions that seek to accelerate Samsung’s push towards creating a sustainable future does not start and end with its mobile technologies. Some of its outstanding and innovative solutions include Carbon Capture Technologies, where the semiconductor-industry’s Air Science Research Centre^[1] (previously known as the Carbon Capture Research Institute) was established in September 2021.

The research centre was founded with the aim of developing and commercialising technologies for capturing and utilising carbon emitted from Samsung’s semiconductor manufacturing sites. To achieve its objectives, Samsung engaged in research on original technologies with the aim of capturing emitted carbon with greater efficiency and transforming them into resources. Moreover, as part of its efforts to aid in reducing pollution and emissions, Samsung has taken the lead in developing technologies that are environmentally responsible, while enabling an ecosystem that fosters clean and responsible technology.

So, to ensure that these technological solutions are effectively helping to overcome global environmental challenges, Samsung has invested in innovative ideas by collaborating with key institutions such as universities, research institutes as well as start-up communities. On top of all this, in January 2019, Samsung set up a technologically advanced Air Science Research Centre (previously known as the Particulate Matter Research Institute) – dedicated to developing innovative filters and original technologies to detect, analyse and remove particulate matter.

In this Research Centre, Samsung was able to successfully develop an air purification filter that is capable of removing both fine particles and gases, which can be easily cleaned with water and re-used for up to 20-years. And furthermore, to address the challenge of marine micro plastic pollution, Samsung has developed technologies that can reduce the amount of microfiber released into the ocean.

In collaboration with Patagonia, Samsung developed a wash cycle that reduces microfiber emissions in its washing machines and an external microfiber filter that can be applied to existing washing machines. This global electronics giant has also been using technologies that are contributing to a Circular Economy. In July 2022, for instance, Samsung created the Circular Economy Lab, which specialises in research on material recycling process and technology as well as the application of recycled materials to products to maximise resource circularity.

Through the Lab, Samsung has collaborated with various research institutions and corporations to research material recycling and waste-to-resource technologies with the aim of ultimately manufacturing all of its products with recyclable materials.

Samsung believes that preserving the future of the planet is not a competition, instead it requires open collaboration across industries and sectors. And as it advances its sustainability journey, Samsung plans to continue managing and mitigating its emissions and continually evolving its sustainability approach, so that ultimately it can deliver positive change – together with its partners.

^[1]Samsung_Electronics_Sustainability_Report_2023_ENG.pdf

Samsung is envisioning a world where technology can exist together with people to preserve this planet for future generations. It is for this reason that Samsung is encouraging South African consumers to join its mission of “Everyday Sustainability” – by taking small actions together for a better planet in their daily lives.

Samsung knows that alone, it cannot achieve its sustainability goals without people taking an active role in the process. The company is therefore inspiring customer participation so that they can also play an equal part in this important journey towards a sustainable future. Samsung is striving to create inclusive and social innovations that empower everyone to build a better tomorrow, together.

Accordingly, Samsung is empowering everyone to make small and subtle changes in daily life as these can actually have a huge impact as a whole in the environment. These small changes come together to make everyone’s lives more sustainable – that is Samsung’s story of sustainable life.

In the last few years – companies and consumers at large – faced several challenges that included both the COVID-pandemic, but most importantly, the acceleration of the climate crisis that is now threatening the sustainable future of humanity. These challenges served as a stark reminder that everyone needs to put in extra effort into securing a ‘sustainable future’.

Consumers nowadays also want to do their part and live more sustainably, but they do not think that a climate-friendly lifestyle is easy. About 85 percent of consumers worldwide see a gap between their current lifestyle and how sustainable they would like to be ¹. Samsung also knows that drastic changes cannot happen overnight however, it is committed to enabling more sustainable lifestyles for its consumers by continuously creating premium technology that lasts with more power and less environmental impact.

To take a step towards a better future together, Samsung is advocating for consumers to make small yet meaningful changes every day. This is what Samsung calls: “Everyday Sustainability”. The company believes that Earth Day – the globally recognised day commemorated in April annually is an opportune time for everyone to protect the planet and demonstrate support to the environment. This year, Samsung is building on its environmental strategy – its Planet-First philosophy – a goal towards “Everyday Sustainability”.

This environmental strategy is a comprehensive plan for Samsung to join global efforts to tackle climate change.The current environmental challenges together with the upcoming commemoration of Global Earth Day have prompted Samsung to strengthen its governance even further and ensure that ‘sustainability’ continues to be a top priority in all its business operations. It is for these reasons that South African consumers are requested to follow suit and join Samsung on its mission towards a sustainable future.

Samsung believes that in order to overcome these challenges, everyone including consumers’ need to commit to minimising the current environmental impact and aggressively move towards both sustainable business and lifestyle practices. To achieve these ambitious goals, Samsung is bringing local consumers four new ways to live sustainably,  in particular, focusing on Recycled Materials, Eco-Packaging, Energy Efficiency and Recycling or Upcycling. As part of this environmental strategy for 2023, Samsung’s brand product lifecycle journey is focusing on:

1. Sourcing which includes Recycled Materials – in an effort to expand the use of eco-conscious materials. Samsung is expanding the application of recycled plastic across a range of product categories. Also, Samsung MX Business is aiming to achieve its own sustainability goals — by incorporating recycled materials in all mobile products, eliminating plastics in packaging, achieving zero standby power consumption for smartphone chargers and zero waste to landfill by 2025.

2. Production includes Renewable Energy & Chemical Management – this is an expansion of renewable energy that is factored into the manufacturing process. On chemical management – Samsung is developing alternatives for chemical substances and also striving to minimise the negative impacts of hazardous substances that may enter its products, as well as chemicals used in the front-lines of manufacturing on the health of customers and employees.

3. Distribution now includes Eco-Packaging efforts & Logistical Optimisation – this process involves constant application of eco-conscious materials to packaging. Samsung is replacing plastic and vinyl materials with paper and recycled materials to reduce the environmental impact of its product packaging. Also, Samsung is now reducing the volume and weight of packaging to mitigate Greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions in the transportation and shipping process.

4. Energy Efficiency, Durability and Repair & Re-use in Product Usage – Samsung is reducing indirect GHG emissions through products in high energy and is now improving product performance. Samsung’s commitment to sustainabilityas demonstrated by its environmental strategy – was recently recognised when it received two 2023 ENERGY STAR^® Partner of the Year Awards from the S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

5. Recycling and Upcycling as well as Collection – this is where recyclables are separated by material for recycling. Through its latest Galaxy S23 Series, Samsung is now able to deliver a high-performance device that meets the highest of quality standards while also using more recycled materials than any other Galaxy smartphone to date. The latest Galaxy S23 Series has used more recycled plastics and newly incorporated pre-consumer recycled aluminium and glass.

In particular, Samsung’s “Everyday Sustainability” vision is focusing on creating sustainable products for local consumers and how these can be designed to benefit the environment. Samsung has embraced the responsibility of ensuring that the future of this planet is healthy and secure. It has thus committed itself to incorporating sustainability into everything it does – from product design to development. Samsung is determined to continue championing responsible innovation in the future to ensure that it leaves a better planet for generations to come.

As part of its commitment, Samsung is continuing to make a concerted effort to not only achieve enterprise-wide net zero carbon emissions, but to also use more renewable energy, invest in and research new technologies to develop energy-efficient products as well as increase water re-use and develop carbon capture technology.

The technology giant’s “Everyday Sustainability” vision is now being entrenched in every aspect of its organisation. Samsung firmly believes that its competitiveness and sustainable growth goes hand-in-hand with harnessing its technological solutions to preserve the environment and contribute to building a better world.

Social justice and Samsung’s brand initiatives are deliberately focusing on innovation and sustainability without any compromise. Samsung believes that it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of the environment to make this planet a wonderful place to live in – that is why the company is advocating for all South African consumers to do their part and together – Re-Imagine A Better Planet!

Samsung proudly supports Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030.

1 Source: 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer, Special Report: Trust and Climate Change

2 Samsung’s five (5) key categories include: (Sourcing, Production, Distribution, Using, and Recycling – the pillars included above form part of these key categories.

The Africa FGL partnered with the young designer in an effort to raise awareness and deliver a message around Samsung’s Everyday Sustainability efforts in a new, exciting and engaging way.

The key message here was: Samsung’s Eco-conscious technology is built right into our products, and just by using them, consumers take small steps towards a better planet for all! And just like that, the #EverdaySustainability challenge was born. In a jam-packed 3-episode series, you’ll get acquainted with Samsung features like Eco-Bubble Technology and SmartThings Energy.

The challenge was simple: Can the uber-talented designer, design an affordable and sustainable solar powered bag for less than R1000?

Watch the episodes below to see how this all turned out!

Episode 1:

Episode 2:

Episode 3:

Gwynne Gauntlett, Global Digital Fundraising and Marketing Lead at United Nations Development Programme

“UNDP’s partnership with Samsung highlights the importance of integrating expertise, technology, innovation, and advocacy to effectively pursue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and inspire the next generation of global citizens to actively take meaningful actions.”

Q. What does sustainability mean to the UNDP?

In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission coined the definition of sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Subsequently, in September 2015, the General Assembly embraced the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, encompassing 17 SDGs. Anchored in the principle of “leaving no one behind,” the 2030 Agenda underscores a comprehensive approach to attaining sustainable development for all.

For UNDP, sustainability lies at the heart of its mission, guiding its work towards creating a more equitable and resilient world. By adopting an integrated approach that addresses environmental concerns, economic development, and peacebuilding, UNDP plays a crucial role in promoting global sustainability. To learn more about UNDP’s strategic plan, please visit this link.

Q. What are the key sustainability goals of the UNPD and how do they contribute to the broader global agenda for sustainable development?

While UNDP is dedicated to achieving the 17 SDGs outlined in the 2030 Agenda, its specific attention lies in poverty and inequality reduction, governance, resilience, environment, energy, and gender equality. As the leading agency within the United Nations for international development, UNDP operates in 170 countries and territories to support in eradicating poverty and diminishing inequality. For instance, by 2022, 25 million people gained access to basic services, with support from 44 UNDP offices and 11 million benefited from jobs and improved livelihoods in crisis or post-crisis settings in 2022; 49% being female. UNDP also assists nations in policy development, leadership enhancement, partnership building, and institutional strengthening, all geared towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

It is crucial to recognise that UNDP’s approach is multidimensional and interconnected, addressing the interdependencies between various SDGs to foster sustainable development worldwide. Visit this link to read UNDP’s Annual Report 2022.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.

Q. How important is it to leverage innovation and technology to raise awareness and promote the SDGs?

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the significance of leveraging innovation and technology to raise awareness and promote the SDGs cannot be overstated. Without the advancements brought about by technology, we would not only be disconnected from the reality of our global challenges but also miss out on crucial opportunities to address the “Global Goals” outlined in the 2030 Agenda. In fact, flagship research by UNDP and the University of Denver found that targeted investments in digitalisation, social protection, and the green economy could cut the number of people living in extreme poverty by 146 million by 2030. Hence, UNDP has made substantial investments in transforming into a digitally proficient organisation that utilises cutting-edge technology in its operations and assists developing nations in leveraging the benefits of the digital revolution.

We believe that, by harnessing the power of technology, fostering awareness, and promoting the SDGs, we are able to effectively reach and engage with a variety of audiences, inspire collective action, and mobilise resources to accelerate progress towards a sustainable future for all.

The Samsung Global Goals app enables Galaxy users to actively participate in creating a more promising future by learning more about the SDGs.

 Q. Could you elaborate on the UNDP’s approach to partnering with companies like Samsung to achieve sustainability goals? How do these partnerships contribute to the overall mission of the UNDP?

Addressing the most pressing challenges to achieve sustainable development is a shared responsibility, and today, we witness growing partnerships between various sectors, working together to tackle these challenges head-on. At UNDP, we highly value private-public sector partnerships as they play a pivotal role in advancing the SDGs and generating widespread awareness about them, which remains one of our top priorities.

UNDP’s work with Samsung shows how a strong and uniquely innovative digital partnership can take shape. Partnerships like this have the potential to act as models for upcoming resource mobilisation approaches across the private sector. UNDP’s partnership with Samsung highlights the importance of integrating expertise, technology, innovation, and advocacy to effectively pursue the SDGs and inspire the next generation of global citizens to actively take meaningful actions to achieve them.

 Q. What specific areas or projects have the UNDP and Samsung collaborated on to address sustainability challenges? How have these collaborations made a tangible impact on the ground?

Since 2019, Samsung and UNDP have collaborated on advancing the SDGs through the Samsung Global Goals app and the Generation17 initiative.

The Samsung Global Goals app offers Galaxy users the opportunity to familiarise themselves with all 17 SDGs and their impact on communities worldwide. Through the app, users actively contribute to the achievement of these Global Goals by learning about each goal and making direct donations to UNDP to support its ongoing development work. With the app already installed on over 300 million Galaxy devices globally and accessible in 92 different languages, it has significantly expanded UNDP’s global outreach. While the donations received through the app have surpassed $10 million so far, it’s important to note that the primary objective of the partnership is not financial. Instead, the focus lies on leveraging our organisational strengths to make a tangible impact in advancing the SDGs.

Generation17 young leaders featured on the Samsung Global Goals app, so that users can engage with their work and feel inspired to join them in driving change.

Another significant collaboration within the partnership is Generation17, which places youth at the forefront of UNDP’s work. Through Generation17, UNDP and Samsung empower exceptional young leaders from diverse backgrounds worldwide, providing them with mentorship, access to Galaxy technology, and networking opportunities to advance their work and education toward achieving the SDGs. Generation17 also fosters young leaders’ meaningful engagement by offering them a platform to share their insights with decision-makers, inspiring them with their innovative ideas and actions.

Generation17 young leaders, Daniel Calarco, Kristian Kampmann, and Thuy Anh Ngo, are seen in this photo, standing alongside other young leaders from around the world at the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2023, which took place in New York in April 2023.

 Q. Looking ahead, what are the future aspirations of the UNDP in terms of its partnership with Samsung to accelerate sustainable development? How do you envision this unique collaboration evolving in the coming years?

At this pivotal midpoint in our collective pursuit of achieving the 2030 Agenda and acknowledging the significant work that lies ahead, it is crucial that we continue to join forces and work together to drive action. The future is hopeful because more people than ever are working together for sustainable development, including through partnerships with UNDP. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership with Samsung, prioritising initiatives such as raising awareness about the SDGs, expanding our impact, and fostering meaningful youth engagement, education, and empowerment.

Samsung’s SolarCell Remote exemplifies Samsung’s commitment to the environment, and as it celebrates its third anniversary, Samsung Newsroom is exploring how this eco-conscious product has progressed since its initial release in 2021, with perspectives from JongKeun Lee of H/W Platform Lab and HyunJoo Kim of Mecha Solution Lab.

(From left) JongKeun Lee from H/W Platform Lab and HyunJoo Kim from Mecha Solution Lab

Eliminating the Need for Disposable Batteries

Samsung developed the SolarCell Remote to combat the environmental impact of discarding used batteries. It is a rechargeable remote control, with a solar panel (solar cell) that can be charged by sunlight or indoor lighting. The remote can also be charged with a USB-C cable so consumers have many ways to charge their remote.

“The level of carbon emissions from the SolarCell Remote, from production to disposal, is roughly one-third of that of the manufacturing of disposable batteries¹,” said JongKeun Lee from H/W Platform Lab. “By eliminating the need for disposable batteries, not only are fewer resources consumed but carbon emissions are lowered by manufacturing fewer batteries over time.”

Another remarkable feature is its low power consumption. The SolarCell Remote was designed to run on about 10% of the power that typical remote controls use. “Samsung made significant progress by drastically eliminating unnecessary outputs and operations, contributing to great energy savings,” added Lee.

The SolarCell Remote Recycles More Than Six Tonnes of Waste

Twenty-four percent of the plastics used in the SolarCell Remote come from recycled materials. This means more than six tonnes of waste are recycled for the annual production of 10 million SolarCell Remotes. This equates to about an 18% decrease in carbon emissions compared to production using conventional materials.

This was no simple undertaking. It takes time and effort to develop and apply alternative materials made from recycled waste in a meaningful way.

“With growing concerns about ocean waste, we looked carefully into many solutions. We chose to use recycled plastics from discarded fishing nets for 20% of brackets of the 2023 SolarCell Remote,” said HyunJoo Kim from Mecha Solution Lab. “Going forward, we aim to foster the use of these resources and utilise recycled plastics more aggressively.”

“This year, we started using recycled plastics from discarded fishing nets. While they are costly and difficult to process, the end result is a higher quality of materials which contribute to our mission of everyday sustainability,” added Kim. “The process is quite extensive, from sorting out the waste to cleaning, removing toxic substances and improving material properties.”

In recognition of this product’s eco-conscious design, Time Magazine selected the SolarCell Remote as one of Time Magazine’s “The Best Inventions of 2022”.

All of Samsung’s 2023 Lifestyle TVs are equipped with the 2023 SolarCell Remote. Samsung’s goal is to integrate more eco-conscious products and processes into a wider range of models across regions and empower consumers to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

In addition, Samsung decreased the size of the SolarCell Remote by 25% in its latest iteration. This means that the remote control uses less plastic while enhancing the product’s usability.

“As the SolarCell Remote became smaller, manufacturing uses less plastic and it became an ideal size for consumers’ hands, making it a better product all around,” Lee explained.

Pursuing an Eco-Conscious Strategy With a Streamlined Approach

So, what are Samsung’s next steps to enhance sustainability of the SolarCell Remote?

“We are continuing to move in the direction of light, thin and small to keep the use of plastic low,” said Kim.

“We are dedicated to creating a user-friendly remote control that consumes fewer resources and less energy,” said Lee. “Samsung’s ultimate goal is to empower users to control products with minimal effort while reducing the use of materials and energy. This could mean one day we get rid of the remote control entirely. The SolarCell Remote is a bold step in the direction of everyday sustainability and we can’t wait to show everyone what’s next.”

The ambitious journey of the SolarCell Remote to contribute to a more eco-conscious lifestyle is just beginning.

¹ Considering most TVs are used for seven years and an AA battery for their remote controls are replaced once in a year, the number of discarded batteries for a TV will be 14 every seven years. This means charging and using SolarCell Remote for seven years reduces carbon emissions by one third compared to using AA batteries.

Samsung proudly supports Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030.

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Updated on March 28 2023 : 10% Recycled PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), which is sourced from discarded PET bottles has been used in case front part of Galaxy S23 Ultra