Celebrating Five Years of Partnership: Samsung and UNDP’s Journey Toward Global Goals
In a notable collaboration that underscores the power of collective action, Samsung Electronics and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have marked five years of partnership dedicated to leveraging technology for global change. This partnership, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcases how technology can be a catalyst for addressing pressing global issues such as climate change and social inequality.
Samsung Electronics firmly believes that even small efforts, when combined with those of like-minded partners, can lead to significant impacts. Over the past five years, Samsung and UNDP have worked together with a unified mission: to harness technology to foster global change. Central to this mission is a focus on the potential of young people, particularly millennials and Generation Z. These tech-savvy global citizens are driven by optimism and a strong commitment to societal progress, empowering them to influence policymakers and businesses toward a more sustainable future.
The Path to 2030 and the Global Goals
As the 2030 deadline for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals approaches, Samsung and UNDP have reaffirmed their commitment to this global agenda. Both organizations have made strides in creating real-world impact by prioritizing innovation. In celebration of United Nations Day, Samsung has released a comprehensive report detailing the progress made over the five-year partnership, especially in raising awareness about the Global Goals through initiatives like the Samsung Global Goals app and Generation17.
Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, emphasized the importance of this partnership: "We believe in the power of collective effort to create a better future for upcoming generations and using technology for the greater good. Our partnership with UNDP over the past five years has been a meaningful step in this journey, as we’ve worked together to support young changemakers and raise awareness of the Global Goals. We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a better future for all, and we look forward to continuing our journey to 2030 with the Galaxy community."
Achim Steiner, Administrator of UNDP, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors: "The only way we are going to confront the world’s biggest challenges is through cooperation. Our partnership with Samsung shows the power of true collaboration between the public and private sectors. We are proud of the progress that we’ve seen in both the Samsung Global Goals app and the Generation17 initiative to empower youth to advance the SDGs. We look forward to continuing and exploring new frontiers in our partnership to drive sustainable development in the years ahead."
Samsung Global Goals App: A Platform for Change
Launched in 2019, the Samsung Global Goals app represents a significant milestone in the partnership between Samsung and UNDP. This platform empowers Galaxy users to actively participate in achieving the 17 Global Goals by educating them and providing a way to generate donations through in-app advertisements. Samsung matches all proceeds from these ads, thereby maximizing their collaborative efforts to support UNDP’s initiatives in advancing the Global Goals.
To engage Galaxy users further, Samsung has introduced new interactive features such as the Donation Leader Board in 2023. In 2024, they launched limited-edition wallpapers as "Thank-you Gifts," available on Samsung Galaxy smartphones and watches, highlighting different endangered species supported by UNDP Global Goals initiatives.
Since its inception, the Samsung Global Goals app has reached nearly 300 million Galaxy users and has raised over $20 million for UNDP. Users have shown a keen interest in tackling issues like poverty, hunger, and clean water, offering valuable insights into the global priorities that resonate most with people worldwide.
Generation17: Empowering Young Changemakers
In 2020, Samsung and UNDP took their collaboration a step further by launching Generation17, an initiative aimed at supporting young leaders in achieving the Global Goals. This program provides technology, mentorship, and networking opportunities to young leaders worldwide, enabling them to drive meaningful change within their communities. To date, Generation17 has supported 16 young leaders across six regions, sharing their impactful stories through Samsung and UNDP’s global platforms.
Generation17 has enabled young leaders to participate in major global events such as the Mobile World Congress, the UN Economic and Social Council Youth Forum, and the UN Summit of the Future Action Days. These engagements provide a platform for these leaders to collaborate with global decision-makers from various sectors.
Samsung Newsroom has highlighted how Generation17 leaders like Efe Johnson, Thùy Anh Ngô, and Tafara Makaza are leveraging technology to address challenges such as reproductive health education, care for the elderly, and economic mobility, demonstrating how innovative solutions can inspire change and action.
Spotlight on Changemakers
Efe Johnson
Efe Johnson, a reproductive and sexual health advocate from Kaduna, Nigeria, founded Xari Africa to break taboos surrounding sexual and reproductive health across Africa. Inspired by her personal experiences, Xari Africa educates girls on crucial topics like menstruation and birth control. The organization has already impacted 4,500 girls through school workshops, online courses, and practical health guides. Efe aims to expand her platform to reach one million girls.
Thùy Anh Ngô
In Vietnam, Thùy Anh Ngô founded HASU, a mobile platform designed to enhance the well-being of older adults. HASU provides health advice, exercise routines, and social forums to keep seniors connected and active. Over the past year, Thùy Anh has focused on optimizing services for seniors, helping HASU reach over 50,000 individuals. Her newest initiative, a memoir-writing service, helps clients preserve cherished memories.
Tafara Makaza
Tafara Makaza, a social entrepreneur from Zimbabwe, co-founded Fixa, a digital platform connecting informal workers with reliable employment opportunities. Dubbed the "LinkedIn for the linked out," Fixa has connected over 8,000 workers to more than 300,000 job opportunities, disbursing over $2 million in salaries since 2021. Tafara’s efforts are empowering individuals across Africa to achieve economic independence.
Looking Towards 2030
With 2030 on the horizon, Samsung’s commitment to driving global progress has only strengthened. The company continues to harness its technological expertise to fuel collective action for meaningful change by supporting UNDP and young changemakers worldwide. Through initiatives like the Samsung Global Goals app and Generation17, Samsung remains focused on building a more sustainable future for all.
For further details, you can download the full report here.
Through these initiatives, Samsung and UNDP demonstrate how technology and collaboration can be powerful tools in addressing global challenges, making a real difference in the world. As they look toward 2030, their continued partnership represents a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of collective action in building a sustainable future.
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