Hagyeong Koun

Hagyeong Koun, a visionary from South Korea, is on a mission to revolutionize the textile industry and combat poverty in the Global South through her innovative venture, Duara. With a staggering 78.2 million tons of textile waste plaguing Southern landfills and perpetuating a cycle of inequality and environmental degradation, Hagyeong is determined to turn waste into opportunity. Duara's cutting-edge technological solutions aim to repurpose textile waste into versatile raw materials, creating employment opportunities with fair conditions and addressing income disparities in communities affected by textile waste.

Hagyeong envisions a world that is people-centered, driven by a commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment. She believes that true change begins with awareness, particularly in her home country of South Korea, where the textile market thrives without full recognition of its negative impact. By raising awareness and fostering a sense of collective responsibility, Hagyeong is paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for all.