In celebration of United Nations Day and marking five years of partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Samsung Electronics has highlighted its achievements in advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the Samsung Global Goals app and the Generation17 initiative, Samsung continues to empower young changemakers and foster collective action for a more sustainable future.
Collaborative Efforts for a Better Tomorrow
Since 2019, Samsung and UNDP have joined forces to use technology as a force for global change. This partnership, based on the shared belief in the potential of millennials and Gen Z to drive progress, aims to address pressing issues like climate change, poverty, and social equity. The collaboration has yielded meaningful outcomes by providing tools and platforms to mobilize young leaders and raise awareness about the 17 SDGs.
Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung, emphasized the importance of collective action:
We believe in the power of collective effort to create a better future for upcoming generations and in using technology for the greater good. Our five-year partnership with UNDP has enabled us to support young changemakers and raise awareness about the Global Goals, and we look forward to continuing this journey through 2030 with the Galaxy community.
Achim Steiner, Administrator of UNDP, echoed the sentiment:
The only way we will confront the world’s challenges is through cooperation. Our partnership with Samsung demonstrates the power of true collaboration between the public and private sectors. The progress of the Samsung Global Goals app and Generation17 initiative is a testament to the impact of this partnership.
Samsung Global Goals App: A Platform for Change
The Samsung Global Goals app, launched in 2019, allows Galaxy users to contribute to the SDGs in an easy and engaging way. Through in-app ads, wallpapers, and donations, users generate funds that Samsung matches, amplifying the impact. To date, the app has:
Reached nearly 300 million Galaxy users worldwide.
Raised over $20 million to support UNDP’s initiatives.
- Highlighted Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), and Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) as top priorities for users.
In 2023, new interactive features such as the Donation Leaderboard were introduced to engage users further. Samsung also released limited-edition wallpapers in 2024, showcasing endangered species as a gesture of appreciation to active users.
Generation17: Empowering Young Changemakers
Launched in 2020, Generation17 identifies and supports young leaders driving meaningful change in their communities. The program provides these changemakers with mentorship, technology, and opportunities to share their stories on global platforms, such as the UN Youth Forum and Mobile World Congress.
Some notable Generation17 leaders include:
- Efe Johnson – Nigeria
Focus: Reproductive health education and advocacy
Impact: Founded Xari Africa, which has educated 4,500 girls on sexual health.
Goals Prioritized: Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 5 (Gender Equality) - Thùy Anh Ngô – Vietnam
Focus: Physical and mental well-being of the elderly
Impact: Created HASU, a platform with over 50,000 users, offering health advice and social connections for older adults.
Goals Prioritized: Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
- Tafara Makaza – Zimbabwe
Focus: Employment and economic mobility
Impact: Co-founded Fixa, connecting over 8,000 informal workers to job opportunities and disbursing more than $2 million in salaries.
Goals Prioritized: Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
These changemakers are living proof of how technology can foster sustainable development and empower future generations to tackle global challenges.
Looking Ahead: A Journey to 2030
With six years remaining until the 2030 deadline for the SDGs, Samsung is more committed than ever to driving sustainable progress. The company will continue to explore new frontiers through technology and collaboration, empowering individuals and communities to take meaningful action.
Through the Samsung Global Goals app and Generation17, Samsung and UNDP remain focused on creating lasting change by inspiring collective action across the globe.
As we approach 2030, Samsung invites the Galaxy community to join hands in this journey toward building a more inclusive, sustainable future for all.
