Gangnam-gu to host 2026 Youth International Conference

Gangnam-gu in Seoul will host the 2026 Gangnam-gu Youth International Conference at the SETEC Convention Center on Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the district announced Monday.

Now in its second year, the event is a creative, interdisciplinary education program in which middle school students from the district take on the roles of youth representatives from countries around the world, exploring social and cultural global issues. Participants use generative AI to develop solutions and present their findings in English.

Online qualifying rounds held in September drew 40 teams from 14 middle schools in the district. Following expert judging, one team per school — 14 teams of two students each, 28 in total — advanced to the finals.

In the qualifying rounds, teams chose one of three broad themes: AI, global citizenship, or sustainability. One of those themes will be designated as the main topic for the finals. Competing teams will then select one of five sub-topics and deliver an English presentation using the generative AI tool Gemini. Participants are expected to independently verify the accuracy and basis of AI-generated information and focus on developing feasible policy alternatives from the perspective of their assigned country.

Finals judging will assess five criteria: problem-solving ability, global perspective, logic and persuasiveness, English presentation skills, and AI use and critical thinking. The competition evaluates not only English proficiency but also the ability to analyze global issues and critically engage with AI-sourced information. The top eight teams will receive awards from Gangnam-gu District Mayor Kim Hyun-ki and the British ambassador to South Korea.

Beyond the competition and awards ceremony, the event will feature experience booths — including a Goethe-Institut cultural activity, AI drawing, laser shooting and photo-booth sessions — as well as celebratory performances by student clubs from middle schools across the district. Students and teachers are welcome to attend freely, making it a participatory education festival centered on learning and exchange.

"In the age of AI, it is not enough to simply ask questions and receive answers — the ability to judge the value of information for oneself and find one's own solutions is essential," Gangnam-gu District Mayor Kim Hyun-ki said. "Through this Youth International Conference, we will do our utmost to strengthen young people's critical thinking and global competencies, and to nurture the creative future talent who will lead the AI era."