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7 August 2025, Seoul, Korea – The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) successfully concluded the youth study programme “Prosperity Unleashed: Skills for Tomorrow”, held at Seoul National University (SNU) from 3 to 6 August 2025. The initiative brought together 40 aspiring young leaders from China and the Republic of Korea, providing a collaborative platform to deepen their understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), explore evolving future labour markets, analyze the impact of frontier technologies across key industries, and formulate actionable solutions for inclusive global development.
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Hosted at SNU, the four-day programme featured expert-led lectures and interactive sessions delivered by distinguished academics and private-sector leaders. Discussions focused on future skills acquisition, artificial intelligence (AI) integration, and youth-driven models for sustainable community growth. Featured speakers included:
- Dr. Gunhee Kim, Dr. Seokhwan Choi, and Dr. Sujeong Choi, Seoul National University
- Dr. Jaejune Dong, CEO of BNJ Biopharma
- Mr. Donghyung Lee, Executive Director, Strategic Planning Division, SF Express
- Dr. Manuela Morelli, Senior Human Resources Management Expert, United Nations (virtual presentation)
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A key feature of the workshop was a panel discussion on Career and AI Perspectives, where student representatives from China and the Republic of Korea exchanged insights on skill development and the future of work amidst rapid technological acceleration.
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On the final day, participant cohorts presented group capstone proposals outlining practical strategies for employability and social inclusion. The projects addressed real-world challenges across diverse sectors, including film, logistics, agriculture, transportation, human resources, media, and coding.
An expert evaluation panel—comprising UNITAR representatives and university faculty members, including Dr. Charles Cho (SNU), Ms. Wan Wei (Harbin Engineering University), Dr. Renjie Qiao (Harbin Engineering University), Mr. Manke Wang (UNITAR), Dr. Sung-Sang Yoo (SNU), and Mr. Minho Song (SNU)—assessed the presentations based on thematic relevance, feasibility, scalability, and delivery quality.
Recognizing Outstanding Teams
The following teams were recognized for their exceptional capstone proposals and performance:
- Judge’s Choice Award: Gao Tianyu, Huang Yanxiang, Hou Senrong, Tang Zhenglong, and Wang Yiming (Harbin Engineering University); Kim Eryn (Brown University)
- Most Creative AI Solution: Li Yiming, Zhang Heng, Wu Ziwen, Xia Ziqi, and Sun Xiangrui (Harbin Engineering University); Kim Jongmin (University of Chicago)
- Best Team Energy: Yang Yang, Liu Xiyang, Chu Jiahe, Yang Kaizheng, and Zhou Lunan (Harbin Engineering University); Chang Sehyeon (Indiana University)
This study programme forms part of UNITAR’s broader commitment to empowering youth worldwide through leadership development, international exchange, and capacity-building for the 2030 Agenda. By combining academic instruction, practical exercises, and cross-cultural networking, UNITAR continues to equip the next generation of leaders with the competencies required to drive sustainable transformation.
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About Prosperity Unleashed: Empowering Young Innovators
Prosperity Unleashed: Empowering Young Innovators is a UNITAR-led youth leadership initiative designed to equip university students with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective needed to advance sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. Through dynamic lectures, group-based innovation challenges, and interactive dialogues with UN experts, the program explores the critical role of youth in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By focusing on evaluation, community impact, and prosperity-driven innovation, this initiative empowers young leaders to become catalysts for change—locally and globally.
About UNITAR
Established in 1965, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is the dedicated training arm of the United Nations. Its mission is to strengthen knowledge and skills through high-quality training, research and innovative learning solutions.
Through strategic partnerships and a global learning platform, UNITAR builds skills of individuals, and enhances capacities of institutions and organizations, particularly those in vulnerable contexts, to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Pact for the Future.