Global Youth Eco-Leadership Summitby | 26-02-2014 12:01 |
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 The Brand Trust Report recently announced that Samsung is India's most trusted brand. Also catching my eye was the global headline of Brand Finance Global adjudging Samsung to be the world's second most valuable brand, - in fact the only Asian company in the global top 10, while also becoming UK's top trade-in brand. With all this global buzz and with my brand new Samsung Tab 3, it was with a lot of excitement that I approached the Korea – Samsung trip. As the proud First Prize Winner of the 2013 Eco-Generation Environmental Essay Competition, it was indeed an honor to represent India at the Global Youth Eco-Leadership Summit 2014. Surely the highlight of the trip has to be the visit to Samsung HQ, giving us eager youngsters from all over the world a glimpse into behind the scenes of this global powerhouse. What was particularly striking was even with their clock-like efficiency, they would always have endless warmth and willingness to explain things to us. I should have known what to expect considering how beautifully the Award Ceremony was organized by the India Samsung Engineering office. The Managing Director, Mr. Hong was a great source of encouragement who spent much quality time with us including a memorable chat over lunch. To sum it up - a golden heart with a green vision.  My joy multiplied when on the first day, first session, it was announced by Christy Lee that I had scored a perfect 100 with my prize-winning essay! Lectures at Seoul National University were painted with humor and personal experiences of the many eminent speakers. It was a wonderful idea to introduce us students to Thai boxing, Taekwondo, Korean nursery rhymes, among other things. As an Asian neighbor, I was left stunned at the rich culture of South Korea and the warmth and affability of Koreans. They had the human touch which usually many lack in a sometimes densensitised world.  My own presentation on 'Sustainable City that I Dream Of' was much to my delight, widely appreciated by all. A Green Bell Challenge succeeded the presentation which was equally lively. During the Award Ceremony, I had an exclusive interview taken of myself by the organization! Overall, a big round of applause to the Korea Green Foundation under the able guidance of Mr. Yul Choi, in making the world a better place not just environmentally buy also fostering a much better understanding among the emerging generations.  All of us were thrilled to visit Everland, one of the best amusement parks on this planet. Despite the occasional giddiness, everyone was replete with enthusiasm and begging for more. The cultural performances and secret friend revealing were a nice touch. What I shall treasure all my life is the Exclusive t-shirts specially designed for us & gifted to each delegate.  Gyeongbok Palace and a relaxed shopping spree at Insa-Dong meant that the organizers have thought of everything. To thank Ms. Sophie Park, I will probably have to write another whole essay! The entire trip was extremely well organized and fantastic! I look forward to going again next year! |
