연세대학교 글로벌사회공헌원

Despite awesome advances made in the past century, humankind confronts critical social, economic and environmental issues that require urgent attention. Our response to these challenges will determine whether we march forward to a sustainable future, or fall into a quandary that may threaten our very survival. We are standing at a crossroad representing both a crisis and an opportunity. As the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, until 2015, I led the international community to engage in the joint development goals - the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). As a follow-up mission, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda was adopted on September 25th, 2015. To accomplish the commitment by 2030, it is crucial to harness the expertise and engagement of universities. The Institute for Global Engagement and Empowerment (IGEE), where I serve as the honorary chair, will link the professional expertise of the university with the needs identified on the ground. By forging this intersection, individuals, communities, states and the international society will come together, through academic and practical collaboration, to build a sustainable future for humankind.