Title: Student-Led Global SDGs Team Challenge for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Organizing Department: Kyung Hee University ISSS(International Student & Scholar Services) Team

Kyung Hee University ISSS(International Student & Scholar Services) Team is excited to announce the launch of the『Global SDGs Team Challenge』 program. This program is designed to facilitate a global cultural and research exchange program where international students can independently form teams to conduct local investigations related to the SDGs(Sustainable Development Goals) in their home countries.

Students selected for this projact will have the opportunity to receive shcolarships by forming teams with Korean students, conducting local explorations, interviews, case studies, and submitting their findings.

This project was launched for the first time this year with the following goals: 1) to expand opportunities for active participation through projects led by international students, 2) to promote mutual cooperation and cultural understanding between Korean and international students, and 3) to enhance Kyung Hee University students' interest in and capacity to take action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The project is open to all undergraduate international and Korean students. Each team consists of 2 to 4 students, including at least one international student leader.

During the summer vacation, the teams visit the home country of the international student leader to conduct on-site research and interviews related to the SDGs topic selected by the team. A report is submitted following the fieldwork.

Despite being launched for the first time this year, the project received an enthusiastic response, with 90 students across 27 teams applying. Ultimately, 30 students from 8 teams were selected. These students visited the home countries of their respective team leaders to carry out field research.

Selected students received scholarships based on the distance of the host country, with a total of 38.5 million KRW awarded in scholarships.

<Overview of Selected Teams and Scholarship Awards>

Upon recognizing the challenges associated with their selected SDG topics, each team carried out on-site research and interviews in the respective countries to propose practical solutions within the scope of their capabilities.

(Example 1) Japan Team: Promoting the Achievement in Japan through the Practice of Children’s Cafeterias (SDG 2)

(Example 2) Indonesia Team: Examining How Income Distribution Affects Access to Public Transportation in Jakarta (SDG 11)

(Example 3) Singapore Team: Exploring Cases of Sustainable Urban Development in Singapore (SDG 11)

(Example 4) Uzbekistan Team: Tackling Suicide Challenges and Enhancing Public Awareness of Mental Health in Uzbekistan (SDG 3)

Upon returning to campus, each team prepares a comprehensive final report. In the second semester, a performance presentation session is conducted to facilitate the sharing of project outcomes among participants. This process serves to cultivate students' interest in the Sustainable Development Goals and strengthen their capacity for effective implementation.

<References>

1. Kyung Hee University ISSS(International Student & Scholar Services) Team Website

https://isss.khu.ac.kr/globalcenter/user/bbs/BMSR00040/view.do?menuNo=7900056&boardId=498364

2. Final Reports