The IFWY Final Conference was held at Hanyang University over three days, beginning on October 27. In the conference, youths discussed various global issues and explored avenues for transnational solidarity. As a co-hosting institution, Hanyang University planned the ‘Hanyang Square’ session to communicate its initiatives in Love in Deed and Truth and social innovation to the world. Hanyang Square acted as a platform where global youths posed questions about ‘Futuremakership,’ and Hanyangians provided the answers. The session was moderated by Shin Hyun-sang, Director of the Global Social Innovation Foundation, and featured lectures by Professor Kim Yu-ri(Department of International Studies) and Professor Kim Te-rri(Department of Global Content Convergence). Following the lectures, current Hanyang University students—who had been selected as outstanding teams in the preceding ‘HYU Next Impact Workshop’—presented their unique perspectives on what it means to be a ‘Futuremaker.’

Professor Kim Yu-ri, an expert in development economics and international cooperation for development, has been dedicated for her research into the factors and mechanisms of economic development. In her address, she explained 'why poor countries remain poor and why the international community should help them.' She identified 'inequality' and 'solidarity' as the core keywords for a sustainable global future. Professor Kim stated, "A society with great inequality cannot sustain, regardless of the era," adding that "even prosperous individuals ultimately rely on political, economic, and social stability." She emphasized, "Inequality is an extremely challenging problem to solve, but we must create a driving force for change through solidarity."

Professor Kim Te-rri highlighted the role of universities in cultivating 'Futuremakers.' She stressed that "the expansion of thoughts is crucial in the coming AI era," and that "the university, as a microcosm of an open society, must take the lead in creating a sustainable future." She added that "universities should focus more on the creation of new knowledge rather than merely transmitting existing knowledge," stressing the need for convergent education and inquiry-based learning. Reflecting on the Hanyang Square session, Professor Kim commented, "The content and language proficiency of student presentations were truly excellent," and "their natural exchange with foreign participants, without any barriers, was impressive." She concluded by stating that she confirmed Korea's potential through Hanyang University's leadership in the global IFWY event.

The first student team stated, "We must move away from the vertical structure of leaders and followers," arguing that "a Futuremaker does not necessarily have to be a leader." Kim Jun-ho(Department of Political Science and International Studies, Sophomore) explained, "A Futuremaker must empathize and imagine with warm hearts, based on principles of horizontality and inclusiveness." Choi Min-seo(Department of Korean Traditional Music, Senior) said, "It is a contradiction for society to emphasize leadership simultaneously with a horizontal structure. We wanted to break the dichotomous division of leader versus follower." Reflecting on the event, Mr. Kim noted, "While I was talking with foreign participants, I felt the problems inherent in an intellectually focused culture of discussions. We also need an attitude to respect others’ opinions." He emphasized, "Being a Futuremaker is not a grand idea with a high hurdle; having an open attitude to diversity is most important thing."

The second team compared the concepts of Futuremaker and Changemaker to propose a desirable talent profile. A Changemaker is specialized in solving immediate, pressing problems, which can result in shortsighted vision. In contrast, a Futuremaker is someone who first considers the future and then acts to change the present. Presenter Heo Soo-hyun (Department of Korean Language and Literature, 4th year) explained, "If a Changemaker is someone who plants trees to create a forest, a Futuremaker is someone who forms the forest first and then plants the trees." She added, "Only someone who knows what the forest is can grow it." Heo Soo-hyun expressed her honor at presenting as a school representative and felt that the experience served as an opportunity to broaden her perspective by listening to the views of people from other countries. When asked what kind of Futuremaker she hopes to become, she responded, "I want to contribute to social innovation through small ideas and attempts that others haven't yet considered."

Futuremakership: Led by Hanyang University, Spearheaded by Hanyangians

Director Shin emphasized, "It is problematic for only the powerful to determine our future. We are all protagonists and custodians of the future." He shared his pride and fulfillment, noting that "the students' presentations were logical and persuasive, surpassing expectations." Reflecting on the Hanyang Square event, Director Shin evaluated its significance, stating, "It is meaningful that Hanyang University students took the lead for the future to be created by the youth." The Global Social Innovation Foundation, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, is preparing for University Impact Alliance. Based on the discussions at Hanyang Square, the foundation plans to partner with various universities to cultivate Futuremakers.