[Full Text] President Lee Jaemyung's Opening Remarks at the UN Security Council Open Debate

"Turning the Changes Brought by AI into a Springboard for Humanity's New Leap Forward"
"The International Community Must Unite to Establish the Principle of 'Responsible Use'"

On the 24th (local time), President Lee Jaemyung presided over an open debate of the United Nations Security Council at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States. He emphasized that humanity should turn the changes brought by AI, which herald a "civilizational transformation," into a springboard for a new leap forward. He also stated that South Korea, as a responsible global leader, will spearhead international cooperation and, as the chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Gyeongju, will push for the adoption of the "APEC AI Initiative" to ensure that AI innovation contributes to the prosperity of humanity.

Yonhap News

The following is President Lee's opening statement at the Security Council open debate.

Secretary-General Guterres, Professor Yoshua Bengio, Professor Choi Yejin,

Thank you for your profound insights.

Listening to your remarks,

I was reminded of Professor Geoffrey Hinton's words:

"Today's AI is like a tiger cub."

The tiger cub before us could grow into a fierce beast that devours us,

or it could become a lovable character like "Duffy" from K-Pop Demon Hunters.

Just as a knife is a wonderful tool that brings happiness when wielded by a chef,

but a dangerous weapon in the hands of a robber,

AI, especially, is an invention that will bring the most disruptive innovation

across all processes of knowledge and information processing.

It can even make judgments and decisions on its own, like a human.

Therefore, depending on how we handle this tool called AI,

entirely different futures await us.

If we leverage AI well,

we can solve difficult challenges such as low growth and high inflation, paving the way for new prosperity,

and provide solutions to various issues, including healthcare, food, and education.

However, if we are dragged along without preparing for these changes,

a severe technological gap may function as a "silicon curtain" surpassing the "iron curtain,"

deepening global inequality and imbalance.

The only way to turn the changes of the AI era-where light and shadow coexist-into opportunities

is for the international community to unite and firmly establish the principle of "responsible use."

If, as many experts warn, AI threatens and even leads to the extinction of humanity,

the reason will likely be that we failed to create universal norms for humanity

that match the magnitude of this enormous change.

In an era where AI technological prowess is synonymous with national power, economic strength, and security capability,

it is neither possible nor realistic to reverse technological progress, as in the past "Luddite movement."

The only wise response is

to "compete for national interests, but cooperate for the benefit of all."

Governments, academia, industry, and civil society must come together and pool their wisdom

to achieve innovation for "AI for all" and "human-centered, inclusive AI."

The role and responsibility of the Security Council are especially significant.

In the field of international peace and security, which affects the lives of countless people,

AI holds immense potential and possibilities,

but also significant risks.

From information and reconnaissance to military logistics and planning,

AI is enhancing accuracy and precision across all military domains,

and driving innovation in operational efficiency and command systems.

If used properly, AI can be an excellent tool for monitoring the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,

preventing conflicts, and maintaining peace.

It can ensure that our humanitarian aid reaches those in need swiftly and appropriately,

thus contributing to strengthening international peace and security.

However, if this formidable tool loses control,

we will not be able to avoid a dystopian future where misinformation abounds and terrorism and cyberattacks surge.

Security instability may worsen due to an "AI-driven arms race."

The Security Council has actively responded to evolving threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and pandemics,

providing direction and vision for the international community.

Now, we must analyze the changed security environment of the AI era

and find joint response measures.

As a "responsible global leader,"

South Korea will take the lead in promoting international cooperation

to ensure that AI becomes a tool for a sustainable future for humanity.

Last year, together with the Netherlands, South Korea submitted the first-ever "military AI" resolution to the UN General Assembly,

and hosted the high-level meeting (REAIM) on the responsible military use of AI.

Additionally, we supported strengthening the UN peacekeepers' capacity to counter disinformation,

and, as a member of the Human Rights Council, led resolutions on "new technologies and human rights."

At the AI Seoul Summit last May, we adopted the "Seoul Declaration,"

presenting the three visions of "safety, innovation, and inclusion,"

and as the chair of APEC,

we are also working to adopt the APEC AI Initiative

so that AI innovation can contribute to the prosperity of humanity.

Through these efforts, above all,

we are striving to make "the basic AI society" and "AI for all," where the benefits of technological progress are shared,

the new norm of this era.

Distinguished representatives,

standing before the "civilizational transformation" that AI will bring,

humanity is at a critical turning point where we must protect the universal values upheld throughout our long history.

Civilization has always responded to challenges,

and even in the face of despair, we have not lost hope in moving toward a "better world,"

which has enabled the progress we see today.

The answer lies in the United Nations' illustrious history of always finding the path to world peace and shared prosperity, even in times of crisis.

Let us not shy away from the new mission of our era that lies before us.

Let us ensure that humanity turns the changes brought by AI into a springboard for a new leap forward.

Thank you for your attention.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.