TIMES AUSTRALIA, SOUTH KOREA – The Korea Youth Summit 2025, hosted by Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB), emerged as a vibrant platform for four distinguished speakers. The four addressed global youth on cultural identity, peacebuilding, and career development.

The event, attended by delegates from 15 countries, focused on empowering the next generation through shared values and international cooperation.

Jihye Lee: Culture as a Catalyst for Solidarity

A cultural advocate and UNESCO program specialist, Jihye Lee opened her keynote titled Cultural Cooperation and Youth-Led Solidarity. She was calling on young people to deeply understand their own heritage before engaging globally.

Youngjo Choi, CEO of Study Korea News and President of Sejong International Center at Kore Youth Summit 2025. (Photo: KYS)

Drawing from her work at UNESCO, Yonsei University, and the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, she illustrated how culture bridges divides and strengthens diplomacy.

“Know your own culture first,” she urged, emphasizing identity as the root of genuine intercultural collaboration. Her work in global forums, educational reform, and sustainable tourism projects demonstrated that cultural fluency is key to impactful leadership.

Youngjo Choi: Media and Mobility for Global Youth

Youngjo Choi, CEO of Study Korea News and President of Sejong International Center, brought practical insights to the stage on how international students can navigate opportunities in South Korea.

His talk focused on career development through media, policy, and public service. Choi has launched job fairs, exchange programs, and multicultural workshops for years, all aimed at easing integration and building confidence among foreign students.

“International youth can become community leaders when given the tools and space to grow,” he said. His message championed inclusivity, stressing that media can be a voice for often unheard communities.

Dong Chan Kim and Shreya Sahay: Peace Through Purpose

Representing Global Peace Youth Korea, Executive Director Dong Chan Kim highlighted youth-led peacebuilding efforts through value-based leadership. With a decade of grassroots experience, he underscored the role of character education in cultivating ethical leaders.

Joining him was international delegate Shreya Sahay, who brought a personal, emotional dimension to the summit. “Live it purposefully, share it boldly,” she said of cultural expression, praising the powerful impact of cultural performances like the haka. 

Jooeun Kim: Bridging Development and Youth Participation

Jooeun Kim, a graduate student in International Studies at Ewha Womans University, brought an academic and policy-driven perspective to the summit. Her presentation focused on “Development Cooperation and Youth Engagement in Asia-Pacific”.

Jooeun Kim at at Kore Youth Summit 2025. (Photo: KYS)

Drawing from her experiences at the World Bank Group, UN ESCAP, and CityNet, she highlighted how youth can contribute meaningfully to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by connecting classroom knowledge with real-world practice.

Jooeun emphasized the importance of inclusive, data-informed policy planning and encouraged young leaders to take part in both international institutions and grassroots initiatives. Her work exemplified how the combination of research, diplomacy, and practical experience can create long-term global impact.

Together, these four voices stitched a narrative of youth as builders of peace, connectors of cultures, and navigators of a globalized world. The Korea Youth Summit 2025 was more than just a conference, it was a call to action for the world’s young minds to lead with empathy, purpose, and authenticity. (*)