Business with a Purpose: Student-Led AI for Sustainability

Two classes of high school students from China and South Korea engaged in a virtual collaboration exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to support sustainable product distribution and consumption. While working asynchronously across borders and time zones, the students researched and developed projects that applied AI to real-world environmental challenges, calling attention to the impact individual choices can have. Their semester-long efforts culminated in an exciting Live Class session, where students presented their final presentations to one another.

South Korean students focused on designing sustainable business concepts supported by AI by creating four websites dedicated to locally made foods. One team proposed using barley in various ways as an alternative to wheat and rice, highlighting its incredible environmental benefits. “By purchasing 10 kilograms of barley, you would save 11,090 liters of water,” one student stated. Another group developed a rice cake business with emphasis on their sustainable wax paper packaging, aiming to reduce waste through AI-optimized supply chains. A third team conceptualized a dried seafood retailer, spotlighting reduced carbon footprints and regional sustainability. The final team of South Korean students developed a website for their locally-sourced salt retailer, providing a natural option for health- and eco-conscious patrons. The Korean students as a whole underscored the pivotal role that AI plays in ensuring businesses (especially those that are locally owned) can easily and responsibly manage waste, emissions and environmental circularity. As one student concluded, “AI helps us see how much product we need to make, and how we can help the earth and protect nature at the same time.”

Meanwhile, students in China turned their attention to raising awareness and inspiring innovation. One group summarized the collective efforts well with the statement, “Food waste is the biggest crime", underscoring the shared focus of several presentations that supported the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals #2: Zero Hunger and #12: Responsible Consumption and Production. These student groups explored how AI could raise awareness and reduce waste, proposing solutions such as systems that track consumer purchases and recommend eco-friendly alternatives, and AI-integrated QR codes to help users better understand sustainability labels. Another group explored how popular applications using AI can help identify the environmental impacts of daily purchases and help shoppers make more eco-conscious choices online. Inspired by their own experiences, one group envisioned AI-integrated shopping platforms that highlight greener alternatives in real time, sharing, “Younger consumers driving market change, forcing companies to launch circular services like leasing and trade-in programs.”

Although their approaches varied, the students in both countries shared a common goal: using AI technology to support a healthier planet and encourage responsible consumer choices. Through this cross-cultural experience, they not only deepened their understanding of sustainability and the impact of artificial intelligence, but also strengthened their communication and collaboration skills. The project served as a meaningful example of how young people can come together across borders to imagine a smarter, greener future. As one student from Korea reflected, “Working on solutions for sustainability and sharing different perspectives with you was not only educational but also very inspiring.  Even though we live in different countries and speak different languages, I realized that we all care about building a better future together.”

#IVECA #LiveClass #SustainableBusiness #ArtificialIntelligence #ResponsibleConsumption #AIforSustainability #Spring2025 #SDGs

United by Purpose: Korea, Colombia, and India Take Action

This semester’s IVECA Live Classes connected students from Colombia, India, and South Korea in a powerful cross-cultural exchange focused on the theme “Local Actions, Global Impact.” Through collaborative presentations, students explored how global issues manifest in their communities and developed innovative, locally grounded solutions linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Korean students addressed air and marine pollution in Chungcheongnam-do, while Colombian teams proposed community kitchens and urban gardens to fight food insecurity. Indian students focused on improving waste management and supporting environmental activism, showing how unique local issues reflect shared global challenges.

Each group approached complex problems with maturity and creativity. Korean students proposed rainwater filtration systems to combat groundwater depletion and highlighted the mental stress caused by academic competition. Colombian students emphasized the value of community partnerships in reducing hunger and malnutrition. Furthermore, their Indian counterparts shared strategies for improving waste systems, supporting young environmental defenders, and building sustainable cities. Despite cultural differences, the students shared a common goal: creating a healthier, fairer world through thoughtful local action.

Yet, beyond policy ideas and presentations, the most lasting impact was the human connection. Students expressed how this experience broadened their perspectives and deepened their understanding of global issues. Sincere/warm farewell letters spoke of mutual respect, admiration, and hope for future in-person meetings. As one student from Korea shared, “You weren’t just project partners—you were respectful, thoughtful, and full of insight.” The performances—from insights on Colombia’s greatest treasures to Indian Kathak dances and Korean Taekwondo—brought cultural pride and emotional warmth to the digital space.

Through IVECA, students didn’t just learn about SDGs or community problems—they learned about each other. When youth connect with open minds and a shared purpose, they don’t just exchange ideas; they begin to shape the future. As one principal noted, “The future needs people who can lead with knowledge, serve with heart, and unite across differences.” 

#IVECA #GlobalClassroom #VirtualExchange #CrossCulturalLearning #SustainableFuture #ThinkGlobalActLocal

Global Conversations, Local Change: South African Students’ First IVECA Journey

Last week marked the close of a remarkable chapter for South African students at Crawford International Ruimsig, as four vibrant classrooms wrapped up their first-ever Live Classes in a cross-cultural exchange with two Korean schools. More than just a virtual program, this experience became a shared journey, rooted in the themes of “Local Actions, Global Impact” and “My Life, Our Environment.” These weren’t just ideas discussed in theory; students brought them to life through stories, research, and real-world solutions.

Building on this foundation, the topic of “Local Actions, Global Impact” inspired students to explore local challenges with far-reaching global significance. Korean students tackled issues such as healthcare inequality, inefficient waste management systems, and education gaps. In response, they proposed tech-driven solutions like telemedicine, rural service incentives, and digital learning platforms. Their creative presentations, which ranged from posters to videos, directly linked their ideas to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, showcasing a deep understanding of how local innovation can drive broader change.

At the same time, students from South Africa offered powerful insights based on their cultural context. They addressed critical issues including water pollution, youth unemployment, poor infrastructure, maternal health, and the fight against HIV/AIDS. Their proposed solutions were both practical and forward-thinking, featuring greywater recycling systems, peer-led skills training, mobile clinics for teens, and blockchain-based apps for improving road safety. By emphasizing partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and tech innovators, Crawford’s students demonstrated how lasting, community-driven change begins with empathy, innovation, and collective action.

As the exchange progressed, the experience became even more personal and meaningful. The program culminated in heartfelt messages that reflected the emotional impact of this cross-cultural collaboration. One Crawford student expressed it best: “We didn’t just trade facts. We created memories, friends, and experiences.” A peer from Korea echoed this sentiment with equal warmth, writing, “How strange it is to learn how different and yet how similar our cultures and interests are! We have loved learning about the challenges you have in your community and country as a whole.”

Ultimately, from beginning to end, South African students’ debut IVECA journey with their Korean partners showed that when students are empowered to think critically, speak authentically, and connect across cultures, they gain more than knowledge. They become active participants in shaping the global conversation and the future that comes with it.

#IVECA #SouthAfrica #VirtualExchange #GCED #InterculturalCompetence #LocalActionsGlobalImpact #MyLifeOurEnvironment #SDGs #SouthKorea