Under the theme “Time for Action: Bridging Divides for a Sustainable Future”, the 7th Global Engagement & Empowerment Forum (GEEF) took place at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea from March 13–15, 2025. 

Co-organized by Yonsei University, the Institute for Global Engagement Empowerment (IGEE), the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for A Better Future and the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens (BKMC), the forum highlighted the urgent need for collective action to tackle global challenges — from climate change to social inequality and sustainable development. Alongside Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina J. Mohammed and Yonsei President Dong-Sup Yoon BKMC Co-chairs  H.E. Ban Ki-moon and Dr. Heinz Fischer delivered compelling opening remarks. 

The BKMC Co-chairs emphasized the urgent need for collective action to tackle global challenges like poverty and climate change. Ban Ki-moon stressed “We must create equal access to education, health care and economic resources” while Dr. Heinz Fischer reinforced that “The time to act is now—together, with urgency and purpose—to build a future that is equitable, inclusive, and resilient for all.” 

BKMC CEO Monika Froehler moderated Day 1 and the high-level panel “Climate Education: Bridging Policy and Practice – Local Solutions for Global Challenges.” The panel discussion, hosted by the BKMC, convened Ambassador Rae-kwon Chung,  International Award Committee, Yangsook Lee, Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO APCEIU), Dave Kim, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and Garam Jeon, World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). Together, they examined the gap between climate education policy and real-world implementation. Speakers emphasized the need to embed climate literacy into national curricula, amplify youth-led initiatives, and foster cross-sector collaboration. Another highlight of the session was the launch of the Outcome Paper of the International Forum of Education and Climate 2024, an event addressing the crucial intersection of climate and education. The session closed with a call to action for integrating climate education across formal and informal learning systems worldwide. 

GEEF 2025 offered rich dialogue across a wide range of themes, including human rights, peacebuilding, and the care economy. Experts, policymakers, and changemakers presented forward-looking solutions to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote inclusive, people-centered progress.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all speakers, partners, and participants for their inspiring contributions to GEEF 2025! 

You can find pictures of the event in our Flickr Album here and here.