YU launches a new chapter of university innovation based on ESG standards

Declaration of a value-chain ESG university encompassing education, research, operations, and social contribution

University-wide solidarity consolidates commitment to ESG implementation, advancing a sustainable management system

[January 23, 2026]

<YU officially declared its university-wide ESG management vision at the “YU-ESG Management Vision Declaration Ceremony.”>

Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) officially declared its ESG management vision on the afternoon of January 22 at the Lee Si-won Global Convention Hall, Cheonma Art Center, during the “YU-ESG Management Vision Declaration Ceremony.”

The ceremony was organized to establish ESG management as a core operational philosophy of the university and to share this vision with university members and the local community, thereby laying a foundation for action-oriented ESG implementation. The event was attended by approximately 60 participants, including HAN Jae-sook (Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation), President CHOI Oe-chool, JUNG Tae-il (former President of the YU Alumni Association and Chairman of Korea OSG), LEE Sang-gil (Executive Vice President of the Daegu Chamber of Commerce and Industry), CHOI Sang-soo (Executive Vice President of iM Bank’s Institutional Banking Group), along with university executives, faculty, staff, student representatives, alumni, and key regional figures. Participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to realizing the YU-ESG management vision.

<From left: JUNG Jin-young (Head-of the YU Office of Social Contribution) ;  CHOI Sang-soo ( Executive Vice President of iM Bank’s Institutional Banking Group); LEE Sang-gil ( Executive Vice President of the Daegu Chamber of Commerce and Industry); JUNG Tae-il (former President of the Yeungnam University Alumni Association and Chairman of Korea OSG); President CHOI Oe-chool; HAN Jae-sook (Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation); SHIM Chang-seop (President of the YU Student Council); LEE Dong-hyung (Chair of the YU Faculty Council); and PARK Young-bong, (Chair of the YU Staff Labor Union)>

This declaration ceremony served as an opportunity to officially introduce YU’s distinctive ESG brand both internally and externally, translating global sustainability discourse into a concrete core slogan for university governance. YU presented its ESG vision as a commitment to building “a safer and happier world”—one that respects the planet’s ecological boundaries while ensuring that all members are guaranteed a solid social foundation. The university made clear its intention to move beyond symbolic declarations by embedding ESG as practical, applicable standards across all aspects of university operations. ESG is positioned not as an external evaluation tool, but as YU’s overarching management philosophy, guiding every decision-making and operational process.

 Furthermore, YU proposed a “value-chain ESG university model” that integrates its unique asset—the global sharing of K-Spirit—into the ESG value chain, alongside education, research, organizational structure, and operations. Through this model, all educational and research activities, administrative operations, and external partnerships are organically connected under the ESG philosophy, enabling university-level practices to expand their impact from the local community to the global stage. This ESG management framework will serve as a fundamental operating principle across education, research, governance and operations, social contribution, and global cooperation.

<President CHOI Oe-chool delivers a commemorative address at the “YU-ESG Management Vision Declaration Ceremony.”>

During the ceremony, the process and objectives behind the establishment of the YU-ESG management vision were shared. Participants viewed award-winning entries from a student-produced ESG practice video contest, reflecting on the true value and meaning of ESG practices in everyday life. This was followed by the official reading of the YU-ESG Management Vision Declaration, culminating in a collective vision announcement involving the chairperson, president, and representatives of faculty, staff, and students, thereby formally institutionalizing ESG management at YU.

 In addition, YU designated the day of the declaration as “YU-ESG Global Donut Day”, hosting participatory events across campus to raise ESG awareness. Inspired by the concept of Doughnut Economics, the program served as a symbolic initiative unique to YU, conveying the meaning of ESG and sustainability in an approachable and engaging manner. Through the distribution of ESG-themed donuts and SNS participation events, the university encouraged voluntary engagement, creating momentum for integrating ESG as a shared, everyday practice within the campus community.

<HONG Young-eun, Director of the ESG Innovation Center, presents the development process of the YU-ESG management vision.>

 President CHOI stated, “Today, we stand together to reaffirm the new roles and responsibilities of Yeungnam University upon the noble values the university has long upheld.” He continued, “Amid challenges such as AI advancement, climate crisis, polarization, and rapidly changing technological environments, YU seeks to clearly present its direction through its own ESG management philosophy.” He added, “This is a practical declaration to apply the values of K-Spirit, rooted in the founding philosophy and the spirit of Hongik Ingan—benefiting humanity at large—across education, research, administration, and social contribution.” President CHOI emphasized, “Starting with this vision declaration, YU will strive to become a model university that fosters a safer and happier world for local communities and the global society through ESG practices embraced and implemented by all members.”