Korea Foundation for Women i n Science, Engineering and Technology

International Community Highlights the Role of Women in Science and Technology for Sustainable Development

May 24, 2024

- Moon Aree, President of WISET, was selected as the first Korean member of the UN 2024–2025 Science and Technology
Experts Group (10-member Group) and chaired the UN STI Forum.
- Highlights the Korean government's interest and efforts in supporting women in STEM.

△ Group photo of the members of the UN 2024–2025 Science and Technology Experts Group. 

President Moon Aree is the fifth individual from the left.

The Korea Foundation for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (WISET), led by President Moon Aree, 
announced that in February that President Moon became the first Korean to be selected as a member of the UN 2024–2025 
Science and Technology Experts Group (10-member Group). She attended the 9th STI Forum,* 
which is one of the activities in which the group participates.

*An annual UN event discussing science and technology innovation for sustainable development goals (STI for SDGs).

The forum was held from May 8th (Wed), 2024 to May 10th (Fri), 2024, at the UN Headquarters in New York. 
The theme of the forum was "Science, Technology and Innovation for Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and Eradicating Poverty 
in Times of Multiple  Crises." The forum was attended by various experts representing their countries, including global science 
and technology experts, the President of the UN Economic and Social Council, and high-level policymakers from various nations.

The forum was conducted over seven sessions. The sixth session, themed “Advancing Sustainable Development 
with Women-Centered Science and Technology Solutions,” was chaired by President Moon Aree, and she led progressive 
discussions on solutions to the issue.

During the session, Jelena Begović, Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, pointed out, 
"Gender imbalance in the global science and technology sector persists." Participants emphasized the need for 
△ expanding education and networks to encourage the entry of women into STEAM fields and △ promoting diversity 
in the science sector for sustainable scientific and technological development.

△ President Moon Aree chairs the discussion during the sixth session of the 2024 STI Forum.

Additionally, President Moon contributed to strengthening the policy support framework for nurturing domestic women 
in science and technology through global networking international exchange programs for science and technology experts. 
She actively participated in discussions as a representative of Korea, thereby enhancing the nation's influence in science 
and technology diplomacy for sustainable development (SDGs).

President Moon stated, "In the future, we will continue to engage in progressive discussions for a sustainable science 
and technology community through exchanges and networking among global science and technology experts 
and continue our cooperation in supporting women in STEM."