I’m Taerim Kim, a senior high school student at HAFS in Korea. Seeing a smart farm in a subway station opened my eyes to the potential for sustainable solutions to food and environmental issues. As the world faces increasingly complex challenges, the importance of sustainable agriculture has never been more evident. Motivated by this, I began research for my paper and aspire to study environmental and economic sciences to contribute to ‘green growth’—balancing economic progress with environmental protection. Currently, I am researching IoT-based vertical farming as a solution aligned with UN FAO goals to support sustainable agriculture, food security, climate resilience, and rural development. Specifically, I am experimenting with hydroponic cultivation of nutrient-rich root vegetables, like carrots, to expand vertical farming beyond leafy greens. Hydroponics can also reduce pesticide use, minimizing impacts on human health and soil contamination. Through this research, I aim to grow as a ‘youth social entrepreneur’ who contributes to UN SDG Goal 2: zero hunger and food security. I hope that this experience will allow me to develop practical, innovative solutions to global food and environmental challenges.