Distinguished Lecture Series: Young Scholars Roundtable on SDGs: Perspectives From the EU, Korea, and Australia (May 2, 2025) > KUJMCE Distinguished Lecture Series

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On May 2, 2025, Curtin University, a leading Australian university based in Perth, and Korea University joined the Young Scholars Roundtable on “SDGs: Perspectives from the EU, Korea, and Australia", organized by the Jean Monnet EU Centre of Excellence (JMCE) at Korea University and brought together students and researchers interested in sustainability and SDGs. The event took place in room 324 in the International Studies Hall.

After a warm welcome by JMCE Director Professor Jae-Seung Lee, Research Professor Ji-Hye Oh opened the session with an insightful presentation on Korea University’s sustainability commitments and achievements. She highlighted KU’s position as one of Asia’s frontrunners in building a sustainable future, showcasing key initiatives such as the KU Changemakers Program, the university’s comprehensive Sustainability Strategy, and ongoing efforts to integrate environmental responsibility into campus life and academic programs.

Following this introduction, students from the participating institutions delivered a series of comparative presentations. Topics included:

• The EU’s Road Toward Sustainability, with emphasis on the European Green Deal, climate neutrality goals, and the Union’s global leadership in sustainable policy.

• Australia’s Policies on SDGs in the 2020s, focusing on biodiversity protection, the Net Zero Plan and Livable and Sustainable Cities.

• Korea’s National Policies Supporting SDG Progress, exploring government strategies on renewable energy and Social Safety and Welfare Reforms.

• Recent U.S. Developments and Setbacks for SDGs, analyzing political shifts, regulatory changes, and their impact on global progress.

These presentations sparked a rich and lively discussion among participants. Students exchanged perspectives on policy effectiveness, the role of youth in driving change, and the importance of international cooperation to meet the 2030 Agenda. The session concluded with an open reflection round in which participants shared their personal thoughts on the future of the SDGs and explored practical ways to accelerate progress at the local, national, and global levels.