Korea Foundation for Women i n Science, Engineering and Technology

• Over 100 diversity stakeholders from the public, private, and academic sectors attended to explore sustainable innovation through diversity and inclusion.

• Marking the 1st anniversary of the Korea Diversity Committee, the network continues to expand with growing interest from institutions and corporations.

Photo: Participants of the 2025 Korea Diversity Forum posing for a group photo.

The Korea Diversity Committee (Chair: Aree Moon, President of WISET; hereinafter "the Committee") announced on the November 5th that it successfully hosted the ‘2nd Korea Diversity Forum 2025’ at the POSCO The Sharp Gallery in Seoul on the 4th.

Under the theme “Can Inclusion Move Beyond Good Intentions to Deliver Real Impact?”, the forum brought together over 100 diversity stakeholders from corporations, institutions, and NGOs. Participants explored strategies to ensure that an inclusive organizational culture leads to individual empowerment and social innovation.

The Committee, with WISET serving as the founding chair institution, was launched in June 2024 to promote diversity and foster an inclusive culture in Korean society. Currently, it comprises 17 member organizations* across the public, private, academic, and research sectors.

* Member Organizations: WISET, GM Korea, Onsemi Korea, POSCO E&C, HP Printing Korea, IBM Korea, Yuhan-Kimberly, Kia, Seoul National University Diversity Council, KAIST Inclusion Committee, Kyungpook National University Diversity Council, Pusan National University Diversity Council, Korea University Diversity Council, Diversity Network in Practice, KWSE, KOFWST, GISTeR

In her opening remarks, WISET President and Committee Chair Aree Moon emphasized, “If last year’s forum was a time to diagnose the level of diversity in Korea, this year’s forum focuses on examining the changes that diversity and inclusion bring to society.” She added, “Inclusion must spread as a core value that drives social awareness and innovative change, rather than remaining a mere declaration.”

In the presentation session that followed, Kim In-seon, Chair of the Pusan National University Diversity Council, presented on the ‘Outcomes and Significance of the Multi-Campus Inclusion Policy at Pusan National University,’ while Park Sae-mi, Team Leader at Lotte GS Chemical, introduced ‘Lotte’s Family-Friendly Policies.’

Chair Kim In-seon introduced cases of exclusionary environments within campuses, warning that “such environments can lead to a talent drain.” she stressed that “creating an inclusive environment is a key factor in attracting talent and serves as the foundation for university competitiveness.”

Team Leader Park Sae-mi introduced Lotte’s work-life balance system, with the mandatory one-month male parental leave policy drawing significant attention. Notably, since the policy’s implementation, Lotte’s internal birth rate has significantly exceeded the national average, a case evaluated as proof that inclusion policies can lead to tangible performance.

The subsequent panel discussion was moderated by Yoon Young-soon, Chair of the Kyungpook National University Diversity Council. Panelists included Kim Kyung-won (Head of Sustainability Management, POSCO E&C), Sun Jong-heon (Team Leader of DEI Initiative, Root Impact), Lee Jong-eun (Vice President, KOFWST), and Ji Sun-ho (Co-Chair of Diversity Committee, GM Korea). The panelists emphasized in one voice that “an inclusive culture begins with leadership commitment and the power to put it into action.”

One panelist remarked, “While an inclusive culture brings organizational stability, it is not about complacency but about building a foundation for innovation that does not fear failure.” The panelist added, “It requires setting achievable goals through consensus and having the structural patience to sustain change.”

Another panelist added, “Diversity and inclusion should not be limited to a specific department’s task. The entire organization must share responsibility and share results through measurable indicators.”

Following the presentations, a workshop was held where member companies such as GM Korea and Yuhan-Kimberly introduced their key activities, followed by active networking among participants.

Photo: A participant asking a question to the panelists during the forum.

One participant shared their feedback, stating, “I realized that inclusion is not simply about kindness or consideration, but a core strategy for enhancing organizational competitiveness and performance.” They added, “What we discussed today must move beyond declarations. Inclusion must establish itself not as an abstract value, but as an actionable language that moves organizations.”

Meanwhile, the Korea Diversity Council plans to continue expanding its membership to help build a more sustainable society. For inquiries about joining the Council or related matters, please contact the Council Secretariat at WISET (☎ +82-2-6411-1019).