SKT recognized as a UN sustainability “LEAD company” for ESG results achieved with AI

[Financial News] SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (SKT) has been named a 2027 LEAD company by the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Korea Association. The recognition reflects its achievements in sharing ESG (environmental, social and governance) management experience and promoting environmental management practices using artificial intelligence (AI).
SKT said on the 3rd that it had been appointed a 2027 LEAD company at the 2026 Korea Leaders Summit hosted by the UNGC Korea Association.
The UNGC is a corporate sustainability management forum launched by the United Nations in 2000. It supports companies in incorporating principles on human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption into their business operations and working together for sustainable growth.
The UNGC Korea Association selects around 10 companies and institutions each year as LEAD companies from among its approximately 360 member companies, recognizing their contributions to fostering a culture of sustainability management and advancing the ESG ecosystem.
SKT has served as co-chair of the UNGC Korea Association’s Environmental Working Group, sharing its experience in addressing ESG issues and its know-how in building management systems. The company said it had also helped strengthen member companies’ capabilities in using AI by sharing examples of AI applications in ESG work.
At the summit held that day at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, Eom Jong-hwan, head of SKT’s Sustainability Management Office, will present examples of energy efficiency improvements using AI and the decarbonization of AI infrastructure under the theme “Beyond AI’s Carbon Dilemma.”
SKT sees “AI for decarbonization” and “decarbonization for AI” as the two pillars of its environmental management. It is applying AI-based power-saving technology to its telecommunications networks and is also working to improve data center operating efficiency.
Eom said, “Achieving the energy transition and decarbonization requires cooperation among various stakeholders, including businesses, government and financial institutions,” adding, “We will share our experience and know-how with UNGC member companies and link AI technological innovation with environmental management to strengthen the foundations for sustainable growth.” 
[email protected] Yoon Hong-jip Reporter