Samsung Electronics is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on a global scale, aligning its corporate strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With an unwavering commitment to collaboration, Samsung has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for five years to drive awareness and action around these Global Goals. Through initiatives like the Samsung Global Goals app and Generation17, Samsung engages the Galaxy community and empowers young changemakers to address pressing global challenges. This article delves into Samsung's collaborative efforts and innovations, exploring the milestones achieved, impact on communities, and the company’s vision for a sustainable future.
A Partnership Driven by Purpose
Since 2019, Samsung and the UNDP have been working together to use technology as a force for good. This partnership is based on a shared vision of addressing urgent issues such as poverty, climate change, inequality, and social equity. Samsung’s approach involves using its global reach and technological expertise to mobilize communities and enable collective action towards these critical objectives. With millennials and Gen Z at the forefront, Samsung focuses on inspiring young people to make an impact, viewing them as crucial agents of change due to their tech-savviness, optimism, and commitment to social justice.
Samsung is aware that achieving the Global Goals requires more than corporate responsibility; it requires active community engagement and youth involvement. In this collaborative ecosystem, Samsung and the UNDP see the power of youth as integral to building a sustainable future, providing them with platforms and tools that amplify their voices and support their visions for a better world.
Samsung Global Goals App A Gateway to Global Change
In 2019, Samsung and UNDP introduced the Samsung Global Goals app, which gives Galaxy users a simple, engaging way to support the Global Goals. The app offers users the opportunity to learn about each of the 17 SDGs and make contributions to projects that align with their values. Through interactive features like in-app ads and themed wallpapers, the app raises funds that Samsung matches, amplifying each user’s impact.
The app has garnered substantial support from the Galaxy community, reaching nearly 300 million users worldwide and raising over $20 million for UNDP initiatives. Through features such as the Donation Leader Board, users are encouraged to increase their participation by donating ad revenue from their in-app activities. This community-driven effort demonstrates how technology can mobilize people to support impactful initiatives, making global issues accessible to a wide audience. Users have highlighted three specific goals as their top priorities: Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), and Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). These insights reflect the issues that Galaxy users find most urgent, guiding Samsung’s future projects and focus areas within the app. The introduction of special, limited-edition wallpapers in 2024, featuring endangered species, serves as a "Thank You" to active users. This feature adds a personal touch to their contribution, recognizing their efforts in advancing global goals.
Generation17 Empowering Youth to Lead Change
In 2020, Samsung and UNDP expanded their partnership by launching Generation17, an initiative designed to empower young leaders worldwide who are driving progress toward the Global Goals. Samsung and UNDP believe that young people possess the creativity, energy, and commitment needed to create transformative solutions. Generation17 offers young changemakers mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to technology resources to help them scale their initiatives and broaden their reach.
Through Generation17, Samsung has supported 16 young leaders across six regions, sharing their work on a global platform and helping them make meaningful connections. These leaders have had the chance to attend major global forums, such as the UN Economic and Social Council Youth Forum and the UN Summit of the Future Action Days, where they can share insights and solutions with international policymakers and influencers. The Generation17 leaders bring diverse solutions to pressing social and environmental issues, exemplifying Samsung’s commitment to supporting impactful, youth-led projects. Some of the standout leaders include Efe Johnson, Thùy Anh Ngô, and Tafara Makaza, each of whom has harnessed technology to drive change in unique and compelling ways.
Profiles of Generation17 Changemakers
Efe Johnson: Advocating for Reproductive and Sexual Health
Efe Johnson, a reproductive health advocate from Nigeria, founded Xari Africa to promote sexual health education for young girls. Efe’s mission is to dismantle the stigma surrounding menstruation, birth control, and sexual health through school workshops, online courses, and her health guide, Just Period It. Since its inception, Xari Africa has impacted over 4,500 girls across Africa by providing accurate, accessible information and breaking down cultural taboos. Efe aims to expand her platform to reach one million girls, with support from Generation17 helping her amplify her reach and impact.
Thùy Anh Ngô Supporting the Elderly in Vietnam
Thùy Anh Ngô founded HASU, a mobile app that promotes the mental and physical well-being of older adults in Vietnam. Inspired by her grandfather's struggle with isolation, she created HASU to offer seniors a platform for staying active, healthy, and socially connected. With features like exercise routines, health advice, and social forums, HASU has helped over 50,000 individuals maintain a fulfilling life. Thùy Anh’s latest service, a memoir-writing program, allows users to preserve their life stories, fostering a sense of purpose and legacy.
Tafara Makaza Connecting Workers with Opportunities in Africa
Tafara Makaza, a Zimbabwean social entrepreneur, co-founded Fixa, a digital platform that connects informal workers with job opportunities. Dubbed the “LinkedIn for the linked out,” Fixa aims to address unemployment and financial insecurity in Africa by helping workers access safe, reliable job opportunities. Tafara’s platform has connected over 8,000 workers to jobs, with more than $2 million disbursed in salaries since 2021. His work is transforming the economic landscape for many individuals, helping them achieve financial independence and stability.
Milestones and Achievements
Since its inception, Generation17 has facilitated remarkable achievements by providing resources, visibility, and a platform for young leaders to amplify their impact. The initiative has not only enabled these leaders to reach larger audiences but has also raised awareness of the Global Goals among millions of people worldwide. Through these combined efforts, Generation17 underscores the potential of young people to drive sustainable change and showcases how technology can be a powerful tool for social and environmental progress.
Samsung’s Vision for a Sustainable Future
As the 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs approaches, Samsung’s commitment to sustainability is stronger than ever. The company’s strategic focus on open collaboration, education, and youth empowerment reflects its broader vision of a sustainable and inclusive future. With the Galaxy community as a central partner, Samsung plans to expand its initiatives, making it easier for individuals to contribute to the Global Goals.
Samsung recognizes that meaningful change requires collective action. The company’s ongoing efforts to support UNDP, coupled with its robust digital platforms, provide a model for how corporations can play a pivotal role in advancing the Global Goals. By enabling millions of Galaxy users to engage with the SDGs, Samsung fosters a community of global citizens who are informed, engaged, and empowered to make a difference.
Samsung’s Continued Partnership with UNDP
The Samsung and UNDP partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration between the private and public sectors. According to Achim Steiner, Administrator of UNDP, “The only way we are going to confront the world’s biggest challenges is through cooperation.” Both organizations continue to explore new opportunities to advance the SDGs, building on the success of the Samsung Global Goals app and Generation17.
Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing for Samsung’s Mobile eXperience Business, emphasized Samsung’s commitment to the partnership, stating, “Our partnership with UNDP over the past five years has been a meaningful step in this journey… We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a better future for all.” Samsung and UNDP’s ongoing collaboration exemplifies the impact of collective effort, leveraging technology to create lasting change.
Expanding Digital Solutions for Greater Impact
In the coming years, Samsung aims to expand its suite of digital tools to increase awareness and engagement with the SDGs. By developing more features for the Samsung Global Goals app and introducing innovative solutions to support Generation17 leaders, Samsung plans to deepen its impact on global development. Future enhancements could include new interactive features, personalized user experiences, and additional donation options, allowing the Galaxy community to become even more engaged in supporting the SDGs.
Looking Toward 2030 Samsung’s Commitment to Long-Term Goals
With the 2030 deadline on the horizon, Samsung remains steadfast in its mission to support sustainable development through technology, collaboration, and youth empowerment. The company’s commitment to advancing the Global Goals reflects a broader dedication to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and corporate citizenship. Samsung’s approach serves as a powerful reminder of the role that businesses can play in addressing complex global challenges, and its initiatives offer a blueprint for how the private sector can contribute to building a better world.
Conclusion
Samsung Electronics’ partnership with the UNDP and initiatives like the Samsung Global Goals app and Generation17 demonstrate the company’s commitment to advancing the SDGs. By harnessing technology, engaging youth, and fostering open collaboration, Samsung has created impactful programs that drive real change. The achievements of the Galaxy community, the innovation of Generation17 leaders, and Samsung’s vision for a sustainable future all underscore the power of collective action in addressing the world’s most pressing issues. Samsung’s journey is far from over, with new opportunities and challenges on the horizon as the 2030 deadline for the SDGs approaches. However, the company’s track record of success and its dedication to global progress suggest that Samsung will continue to play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all. Through continued collaboration, innovation, and engagement with the global community, Samsung reaffirms its commitment to advancing the Global Goals and building