I. Introduction

For nearly 140 years, Yonsei University has been a beacon of excellence in education and research, shaping global leaders who contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the betterment of society. As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, the role of academia in addressing urgent global issues—such as climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequality—has never been more critical. Higher education institutions have long embraced a tripartite mission: education, research, and service. While service has traditionally been considered secondary to education and research, a paradigm shift is necessary—one that positions sustainability as an essential pillar of our institutional mission.

Education must cultivate socially responsible and critically engaged global citizens. Research must be harnessed to generate knowledge and technological innovations that directly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Service must extend beyond traditional engagements, actively facilitating collaborations that drive tangible progress in sustainability. At Yonsei University, we are committed to integrating sustainability into the core of our academic, research, and operational strategies. Our responsibility extends beyond producing scholarly knowledge; we must ensure that our discoveries and innovations translate into real-world solutions that foster resilience, equity, and environmental stewardship. As part of our VISION-YONSEI 150 philosophy, we aim to foster innovators that support one another, and value trust, pathfinding, and dedication to create positive change in the world [Figure 1].

II. Institutional Commitment to Sustainability

As a leading academic institution, Yonsei University recognizes the imperative to align its research agenda with the SDGs. To this end, we have conducted a rigorous analysis of 84,823 SCOPUS-indexed publications authored by Yonsei faculty from 2010 to 2023, utilizing artificial intelligence to assess their contributions to sustainability [Figure 2]. This analysis is grounded in the premise that all academic research contributes to sustainable development and the long-term resilience of our communities. Each scholar, while dedicated to their respective fields, ultimately contributes to a broader intellectual ecosystem that advances human knowledge and collective well-being. Just as individual beads are strung together to form a necklace, diverse research endeavors must be framed within the larger pursuit of the SDGs.

By systematically analyzing our institutional research strengths through this lens, we can better understand our impact on global challenges and identify opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Our findings revealed that Yonsei’s strongest research concentrations align with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). However, the analysis also highlighted gaps in contributions to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Keenly attuned to the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, we are actively fostering an academic culture that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. We encourage scholars across all fields to apply a sustainability lens to their work, ensuring that research output contributes meaningfully to societal well-being. Moreover, we advocate for the adoption of AI-driven methodologies to evaluate institutional progress toward SDG achievement, thereby refining our research strategies to maximize impact.

Furthermore, international evidence underscores the importance of government support in advancing sustainability research. Studies have shown that central government investments in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture have led to measurable improvements in sustainable development performance (Chai et al., 2024; Mondal et al., 2021). As an institution, Yonsei University not only seeks to refine our internal research strategies but also aims to serve as a thought leader in advocating for policies that strengthen research and development (R&D) frameworks to accelerate progress toward global sustainability goals. In line with this vision, we have partnered with the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), to install Korea’s first IBM Quantum System. This installation further reinforces our campus’s commitment to pioneering research in quantum computing and advanced biotechnology, with the goal of advancing sustainable development for both humanity and the planet. Our Quantum Division welcomes individuals from a broad range of institutions and organizations (government, academia, research, and industry) interested in exploring quantum computing and advancing scientific innovations. These innovations will address complex challenges in drug development, cryptography, optimization, and other scientific fields that currently impede progress toward achieving the SDGs (Ahmadi, 2023).

III. Sustainable Campus Initiatives

Universities must lead by example in sustainability efforts, and Yonsei University is committed to transforming our campus into a model for environmentally responsible higher education institutions. On November 27, 2024, we joined Korea University, POSTECH, and Seoul National University in signing the “Sustainable Campus Initiative Declaration” at the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). This landmark agreement affirms our commitment to carbon neutrality, green campus initiatives, and the integration of sustainability education into all academic disciplines.

Sustainability is not merely an abstract goal; it requires concrete and comprehensive action. To this end, we are developing a strategic implementation plan to achieve carbon neutrality [Figure 3]. The roadmap includes ambitious targets such as the elimination of fossil fuel-based heating by our 150th anniversary in 2035, the expansion of campus-wide solar energy infrastructure, and the introduction of remote learning policies to minimize our carbon footprint. Moreover, we are strengthening student engagement through experiential learning programs facilitated by the Institute for Global Engagement & Empowerment (IGEE) and the Institute for Higher Education Innovation (IHEI). These initiatives ensure that students develop the skills and competencies necessary to tackle global sustainability challenges in their future careers. Additionally, our commitment extends to responsible campus operations, including LEED-certified infrastructure, sustainable water management, and free shuttle services that reduce emissions. Through these efforts, Yonsei University is setting a precedent for the role of higher education in advancing sustainable development, demonstrating that academic institutions must not only study sustainability but also embody it in their operational practices.

Moving forward, Yonsei is committed to making sustainability-related education an essential experience for all students. Sustainability will be systematically integrated into our academic framework, ensuring that every student, regardless of discipline, gains a deep understanding of sustainable development. To bridge theory and practice, we will expand opportunities for students to actively engage in real-world problem-solving. Programs such as the SEF (Social Engagement Fund), supported by the IGEE, and the social innovation programs of the Institute for Higher Education Innovation (IHEI) will be further strengthened. These initiatives provide students with hands-on experiences that empower them to address pressing societal challenges with innovative and impactful solutions. Through these efforts, Yonsei University will continue to uphold its responsibility as a leading global institution, equipping future generations with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to drive sustainable progress in an increasingly complex world.

As one of the leading academic institutions in South Korea and the world, Yonsei University recognizes its profound responsibility to contribute to sustainable development. By integrating the SDGs into our education, research, and operations, we are setting a benchmark for higher education institutions globally. Our commitment extends beyond rhetoric; through concrete initiatives, interdisciplinary collaborations, and strategic partnerships, we are actively working to foster a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

However, achieving these ambitious goals requires collective action. Faculty, students, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders must unite to ensure that sustainability becomes an integral part of academia’s mission. Yonsei University remains steadfast in its commitment to leading this transformation, equipping future generations with the knowledge, skills, and ethical responsibility to advance sustainability on a global scale. The pursuit of sustainable development is not a solitary endeavor but a shared responsibility. Let us move forward together—toward a future where knowledge serves as a force for good, where education empowers change, and where research drives solutions that benefit humanity and the planet alike.

President Dong-Sup Yoon became the 20th President of Yonsei University on February 1, 2024. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Medicine from Yonsei University and a Doctorate in Medicine from Korea University, President Yoon is committed to fostering interdisciplinary, sustainability research that encourages global citizenship within our academic community. Guided by a vision of inclusivity, the following article discusses President Yoon’s perspective on Yonsei University’s commitment to sustainable development, and how we may advance towards global initiatives that strengthen eco-friendly research and innovation in this era.

Figure 1.

Roadmap to Vision-YONSEI 150

Figure 2.

Measuring R&D Progress Toward the SDGs Using Deep Learning (Lee et al., 2023)

Figure 3.

Institute for Global Engagement & Empowerment’s Roadmap Toward Carbon Neutrality

References

• Ahmadi, A. (2023). Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence: The Synergy of Two Revolutionary Technologies. Asian Journal of Electrical Sciences, 12(2), 15-27. https://doi.org/10.51983/ajes-2023.12.2.4118Article
• Chai, J., Hao, Y., Wu, H., Yu, Y., & Hu, N. (2024). How do local government fiscal revenue targets affect green technology innovation in China. Economics of Innovation and New Technology, 33(7), 1002-1028. https://doi.org/10.1080/10438599.2023.2267447Article
• Lee, K., Kang, Y., An, S., Song, I. H., Shin, J. E., & Rhee, E. (2023). Yonsei IGEE SDG Initiative: Yonsei University's SDG research portfolio building (Report). Yonsei Institute for Global Engagement & Empowerment.
• Mondal, S., & Das, G. (2021). Relationship of SDG9 with Industry and Innovation: A Study on the Selected Indian States. Entrepreneurship A Way forward to an Amtanirbhar Bharat. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4060489Article

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