President Lee Jae Myung on Sept. 24 chairs an open debate at the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council held at U.N. headquarters in New York. (Yonhap News)

By Charles Audouin

President Lee Jae Myung on Sept. 24 chaired an open debate at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) at U.N. headquarters in New York, saying, "Let us turn the changes brought by AI (artificial intelligence) into a springboard for humanity to make a renewed leap forward."

This was the first time for a Korean president to chair such a debate at the UNSC, as Seoul holds the council's rotating presidency of the UNSC this month as a non-permanent member for the 2024–25 term.

Leaders from many U.N. member countries attended the event, including from all 15 states on the UNSC. The theme was "AI and International Peace and Security."

"AI, in particular, will bring the most disruptive innovation to the way we process knowledge and information. And it may soon be able to judge and decide for itself like a human being," President Lee said. "Therefore, an entirely different future will unfold before us depending on how wisely we choose to wield this tool called AI."

"In an era where AI capability is emerging as a key determining factor of national power – both in economic and security terms – it is neither possible nor realistic to attempt to reverse technological progress like the Luddites," he added, referring to British textile workers during the early 19th century who strongly protested the adoption of automated machinery.

"The only viable and wise choice would be to compete for national interest while cooperating for the benefit of humankind at the same time."

He also urged government, academia, industry and civil society to cooperate to achieve "AI for all" and "inclusive and human-centric AI."

President Lee highlighted his country's contributions to forming global AI regulations. He mentioned how Korea and the Netherlands last year jointly submitted a resolution on AI in the military to the U.N. General Assembly and Seoul's hosting of the Responsible Military Use of AI (REAIM) Summit.

He added that Korea helped boost the capacity of U.N. peacekeeping operations to respond to false information and led a resolution on emerging technologies and human rights at the Human Rights Council.

President Lee also mentioned Korea's adoption of the Seoul Declaration, which contains the three visions of safety, innovation and inclusion, at the AI Seoul Summit in May last year and push this year for an AI initiative by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) given Korea's status as APEC chair country.

"Through such efforts, the Republic of Korea is striving to establish an 'AI universal basic society,' where everyone benefits from technological advancements, and the principle of 'AI for all 'as the new normal of the new era," he said.

"The Republic of Korea, as a responsible global power, is committed to leading international cooperation to ensure that AI becomes a tool for building a sustainable future for humanity."

caudouin@korea.kr