IGEE Proceedings

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Narrowing the Attitude-Behavior Gap: EcoStep, a Mobile Application for Plastic Reduction Using Visualization, Gamification, and Personalization†: Il Song, Wonhee Jeong; IGEE Proc. 2026;3(2):100-106. Published online June 29, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2026.014

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Plastic pollution, especially microplastics, has emerged as a serious environmental problem. However, the atti-tude-behavior gap, in which high awareness does not translate into action, has been noted as a barrier to sus-tainable consumption, and a regulation-centered approach alone appears to have difficulty driving voluntary in-dividual behavior change. In response, this study developed EcoStep, a mobile application combining visuali-zation, gamification, and personalization to help convert awareness into action, and examined its effects on practice frequency and response efficacy. Using a mixed methods design, the 20-day study drew on usage logs from 29 app users, end-of-study survey responses from 14 of them, and in-depth face-to-face interviews with 5 partic-ipants. A retrospective pre-post survey on a 5-point scale measured severity awareness, practice frequency, response efficacy, feature ratings, and intention to use. Plastic reduction was calculated through conservative conversion to prevent overestimation, and the quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The 29 participants recorded a total plastic reduction of 7 kg. Practice frequency rose from an average of 2.29 to 3.71, narrowing the attitude-behavior gap from 1.57 to 0.14, and response efficacy from 2.86 to 3.64. Ratings of the main features were generally positive, and about 80% of participants indicated an intention to continue using and recommend the app. These results suggest that concrete, measurable feedback and motivational elements can help narrow the attitude-behavior gap, and that digital interventions can complement regulation-centered policy to support voluntary pro-environmental behavior. This study also relates to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12, 13, and 14.; Summary

Student Involvement in SDG Projects: Seven Years of Yonsei University’s Social Engagement Fund (2018–2025): Sarah Soyeon Oh, In Han Song, Shinki An; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(3):178-183. Published online October 15, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.023

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Background
The Institute for Global Engagement & Empowerment (IGEE) at Yonsei University established the Social Engagement Fund (SEF) in 2018 to align with institutional commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study examines how IGEE's student-led projects as part of Yonsei University's SEF program have expanded SDG coverage over the past seven years and identifies factors contributing to improved integration across multiple goals.
Methods
We analyzed all 49 SEF projects implemented between 2018 and 2025, coding each project for SDG alignment and tracking coverage patterns over time. Annual SDG engagement was measured using two indicators: (1) the total number of SDGs addressed per year and (2) the average number of SDGs addressed per project.
Results
The number of SEF projects increased steadily from 5 in 2018 to 12 in 2025, reflecting growing student participation and institutional support. Over the same period, annual SDG coverage expanded from 9 total SDG mentions in 2018 to 59 in 2025, demonstrating a marked diversification of focus areas. The average number of SDGs addressed per project rose from 1.8 in the early years (2018–2021) to 4.9 in 2025, peaking at 8.3 in 2022. Early projects primarily centered on institutional and educational goals such as SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), while later years showed stronger engagement with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Some goals—including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water)—remained relatively underrepresented.
Conclusions
Student engagement initiatives like SEF can significantly broaden and deepen SDG coverage through structured mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and targeted project funding. By enabling applied, student-driven practice, IGEE’s SEF model demonstrates how universities can translate institutional SDG commitments into measurable and expanding impact across a wide range of sustainability goals.; Summary

Education for Sustainable Development and Career for High School Students in Seogwipo†: Younghyun Lee, Yumin Hahn, Gayoon Yang; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(2):83-93. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.015

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This study examines the effectiveness of an Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) program conducted at Pyoseon High School in Jeju, Korea. Integrating career education, the program aimed at enhancing students’ awareness of sustainable development and key competencies. Conducted with 124 first-year students during school hours, the program consisted of three phases: an introduction to sustainable development, student-led projects addressing local issues, and final presentations. A mixed-methods approach was employed to measure the effectiveness, combining pre- and post-program surveys with focus group interviews. Paired t-test analysis on survey responses showed statistically significant improvements in overall competency domains. Qualitative analysis of focus group interviews indicated a shift from passive, school-based perceptions of sustainability toward more active and individualized understandings, particularly in connecting sustainable development to diverse career pathways. In conclusion, this program demonstrates the effectiveness of bridging ESD with career education, showing that student-led learning can enhance core competencies for sustainable development. It offers a promising direction for the future advancement of ESD in Korea.; Summary

Establishment Plan for Sustainable Villages through Resolving Mongolian Ger District Issues†: Eun-hye Song, Khuslen Bazarragchaa, Geon-young Kim, Sung-kwon Lee; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(2):68-82. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.014

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Abstract

In recent years, Mongolia has witnessed a steady influx of migrants into the ger districts on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. While some have been displaced by climate change-induced zud and desertification, which have devastated traditional livestock-based livelihoods, a larger share of the migration stems from structural inequalities—namely, the concentration of employment opportunities, education, and essential infrastructure in the capital. This surge in population has intensified urban overcrowding and deepened various environmental and social challenges. The ger districts stand out as areas facing particularly acute challenges such as high unemployment, poverty, air pollution, soil contamination, energy poverty, and a critical lack of educational and healthcare services. This study moves beyond the conventional climate refugee framework by analyzing these broader drivers of migration through structured surveys and in-depth interviews with both ger district residents and the general urban population. Based on the findings, a sustainable village model is proposed for the Salkhit area, integrating agriculture, settled livestock farming, agricultural cooperatives, solar power generation, and tourism infrastructure. These systems are designed to operate autonomously and scale to other regions of Mongolia. By offering both policy and practical guidelines, this model aims to relieve metropolitan congestion and promote balanced regional development. However, due to limitations such as insufficient climatic, geographic, and agricultural baseline data and constraints in technical infrastructure, continuous feedback through test-bed operations and phased revisions are essential to ensure long-term viability and effectiveness.

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Citations to this article as recorded by

Student Involvement in SDG Projects: Seven Years of Yonsei University’s Social Engagement Fund (2018–2025)
Sarah Soyeon Oh, In Han Song, Shinki An
IGEE Proceedings.2025; 2(3): 178. CrossRef

Technological Determinism in Smart Cities: AI’s Role in Urban Transformation and Workforce Disruption in Singapore: Jee Won Kim; IGEE Proc. 2025;2(1):20-30. Published online February 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2025.008

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Through the perspective of technological determinism, this study investigates the dual effects of artificial intelligence (AI) in Singapore's Smart Nation plan. Artificial intelligence has been incorporated into waste management, energy systems, and transportation to enhance resource efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, targeting positive impacts on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. However, the development of AI has raised concerns about SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, as workforce disruptions disproportionately affect low-skilled employment. This essay critically assesses these trade-offs, highlighting the ethical and human factors that are frequently disregarded throughout technological advancements. It draws attention to the pressing need for legal frameworks that strike a balance between workforce inclusion, technological innovation, and ethical AI deployment by comparing data from before and after AI implementation. Additionally, it highlights how external factors–such as the infrastructure, regulatory policies, and public engagement–may alter the effectiveness and society impact of AI in smart cities. Through the suggested policies, this paper aims to guide nations around the world toward a sustainable, smart city while critically examining the setbacks and benefits of AI.; Summary

Establishing the ESD and GCEd system in higher education: Analyzing the holistic approach of Yonsei University in South Korea: Jae Eun Shin, Eun Kyoung Rhee, Shinki An, Younah Kang, Keeheon Lee, In Han Song; IGEE Proc. 2024;1(1):6-19. Published online September 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.69841/igee.2024.002

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Purpose
This study assesses the Global Citizenship Education (GCEd) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) initiatives at the Yonsei Institute of Global Engagement and Empowerment (IGEE). The objective is to identify strengths and areas for improvement in promoting ESD and GCEd principles and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design/Methodology/Approach: This research employs a comprehensive analysis framework to evaluate Yonsei IGEE's initiatives, including the "Understanding Sustainable Development with Ban Ki-moon" lectures, "Social Engagement Fund (SEF)" research program, "SDG Initiative," and "Global Engagement and Empowerment Forum (GEEF))." It considers objectives, environmental focus, pedagogical strategies, topic coverage, learning dimensions, and outcome measurement. Findings: Yonsei IGEE initiatives demonstrate strengths in terms of clear objectives, environmental focus, and pedagogical strategies. They complement each other, fostering synergy in promoting ESD and GCEd principles. The lecture series offers a holistic view of SDG issues, whereas SEF empowers students to address challenges practically. The SDG Initiative guides Yonsei's research community, and GEEF disseminates SDG knowledge and fosters collaboration. Originality: This study contributes originality in two aspects. First, it presents an innovative evaluation framework specifically designed to assess the diverse GCEd and ESD programs at Yonsei IGEE. This framework serves as a valuable tool for future evaluations of similar initiatives in higher education institutions. Second, the data and contents analyzed in this research, drawn from Yonsei IGEE's programs, are novel and provide unique insights into the efficacy of the GCEd and ESD efforts.

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Citations to this article as recorded by

Student Involvement in SDG Projects: Seven Years of Yonsei University’s Social Engagement Fund (2018–2025)
Sarah Soyeon Oh, In Han Song, Shinki An
IGEE Proceedings.2025; 2(3): 178. CrossRef

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