The 2024 KF-ISF Global Summit was successfully convened in Seoul, a collaborative effort between the Korea Foundation and the International Strategy Forum (ISF), an initiative established by Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google. This significant event took place at the Westin Josun Seoul from February 25 to 29.

During the summit's opening ceremony on February 25, Kim Gheewhan, the President of the Korea Foundation, highlighted the summit's role in facilitating meaningful dialogue on critical technological and international challenges amidst a complex global crisis. He extended his thanks to the 117 fellows from 62 different countries for their participation.

Ban Ki-moon, the former UN Secretary-General, gave a compelling keynote address on the transformative impact of climate change, urging the attendees, including ISF fellows and global leaders, to remain focused on addressing climate-related issues.

On February 26, the ISF fellows engaged in regional discussions on global challenges during the morning sessions. The afternoon was spent visiting leading Korean corporations such as Samsung Electronics, NAVER, KT, and Hyundai Motors. They also engaged in a conversation with former Foreign Minister Park Jin about Korea as a Global Pivotal State in a new global geopolitical balance.

Discussions on February 27 covered various topics, including technological advancements, AI, climate change, biotechnology, and security, complemented by immersive experiences in Korean culture, from traditional art to cuisine and K-pop dancing. The following day, the fellows participated in a policy hackathon aimed at transforming innovative ideas into actionable policies, guided by the expertise of senior counselors.

The summit wrapped up with an engaging roundtable session, bringing together 12 newly appointed KF Global Fellows and 22 ISF Fellows. This concluding discussion emphasized the summit’s importance as a vital forum for tackling the intricate global issues we face today. It showcased the collaborative endeavors to devise solutions in an era marked by unparalleled global crises and constrained resources.