The India–Korea Forum (IKF / 한-인도 포럼) will organize the NextGen Global Dialogue on Sustainable Development 2026 at the Seoul Global Center on Friday, 2 October 2026.
Held under the theme “Youth Leadership for a Peaceful, Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” the in-person dialogue will bring together young leaders, researchers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging changemakers in Seoul to exchange perspectives on some of the most pressing challenges facing the next generation.
The dialogue approaches sustainability from a broad perspective. Alongside environmental and climate challenges, discussions will address social inclusion, global citizenship, responsible use of emerging technologies, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the development of sustainable communities.
Three Thematic Sessions
The program will feature three interconnected sessions:
Session 1: Youth, Inclusion & Global Citizenship: Building a Future for All
The session will explore the role of young people in building more inclusive societies and strengthening global citizenship.
Session 2: AI, Climate & Innovation: Rethinking Our Sustainable Future
Speakers will discuss the relationship between technological transformation, climate challenges, innovation, and the future of sustainable development.
Session 3: Ideas into Action: Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Sustainable Communities
The session will examine how entrepreneurship, innovation, and community-based initiatives can translate ideas into meaningful and sustainable action.
The three sessions will be followed by a Closing Roundtable, “From Dialogue to Action,” providing an opportunity to reflect on how conversations and ideas can be transformed into practical initiatives and sustained engagement.
Creating a Space for the Next Generation
For IKF, the dialogue is about more than bringing speakers together for a single event. It is part of the Forum’s commitment to creating spaces where the next generation can speak, exchange perspectives, build networks, form communities, and develop ideas for future collaboration.
By convening participants from different countries, academic disciplines, and professional backgrounds in person in Seoul, IKF hopes to encourage conversations that continue beyond the event itself.
The dialogue is being held on 2 October, Gandhi Jayanti, providing an opportunity to reflect on the continuing importance of peace, inclusion, responsibility, and constructive dialogue while considering contemporary challenges to sustainable development.
“The world belongs to the next generation, and they should have a meaningful voice in conversations about its future. Through this dialogue, we hope to create a space in Seoul where young leaders from different countries, disciplines, and professional backgrounds can speak, listen to one another, build communities, and ultimately turn dialogue into action.”
— Prof. Rajiv Kumar, Director, India–Korea Forum
Event Details
Date: Friday, 2 October 2026
Time: 1:00–5:30 PM
Venue: Seoul Global Center, Seoul, South Korea
Language: English
Format: In Person
Organizer: India–Korea Forum (IKF / 한-인도 포럼)
The NextGen Global Dialogue on Sustainable Development 2026 reflects IKF’s continuing effort to connect people, ideas, and the next generation of leaders while fostering meaningful conversations around a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future.