EUN MEE, KIM

UN Women National Ambassador

President, Ewha Womans University

Scholar-diplomat advancing inclusive development and leadership in higher education.

ABOUT

EUN MEE KIM is an accomplished global education leader, policy advisor, and development strategist. As President of Ewha Womans University, she has led its transformation into a research powerhouse, driving innovation in digital education, AI, and global health. She previously served as a UN-appointed scientist for the Global Sustainable Development Report and pioneered

Korea’s engagement in global health policy with support from the Gates Foundation. A lifelong advocate for women’s empowerment, she was appointed Korea’s first UN Women Goodwill Ambassador in 2024. Recognized for her vision in connecting academia, diplomacy, and global cooperation, she is a frequent speaker on gender equity, sustainable development, and international partnerships. By uniting diverse perspectives, championing equal opportunity, and placing people at the heart of innovation, she transforms ideas into enduring global impact—an exemplar to steer our collective endeavor.

EXPERIENCE

United Nations (UN) Women - Goodwill Ambassador (2024–Present)

• Appointed as Korea’s first UN Women Goodwill Ambassador

• Advocates for gender equality, women’s leadership, and inclusive global development

Ewha Womans University - President (17th) (2021–2025)

• Spearheaded the university’s transition into a research-driven, innovation-focused institution

• Established AI College, Graduate School of Data Science, and global hybrid education platforms

• Advanced internationalization and sustainability efforts, including Ewha’s 150th anniversary vision

United Nations (UN) - Member, Independent Group of Scientists – Global Sustainable Development Report (2017–2019)

• Selected as one of 15 scientists worldwide to draft the UN’s flagship GSDR 2019

• Integrated gender and development insights into global sustainability frameworks

Ewha Womans University - Professor, Graduate School of International Studies (1997–2024)

• Tenured faculty member in development studies and global affairs. Held leadership positions including Dean and Director of multiple institutes.

University of Southern California (USC) - Professor, Department of Sociology (1987–1997)

• Taught undergraduate and graduate courses on global sociology and development. Early foundation of cross-national academic career

QUOTE

”I urge students not to look for role models but to become role models themselves. Be pioneers: blaze your own trail, and if the path isn’t visible, take that first step forward anyway.”

“Investing in women and girls—who make up half of the world’s population—is both a necessity and a fundamental human-rights issue.”

PHILOSOPHY