'New Korean Peninsula Peace Initiative' President Lee: "Opening a New Era on the Peninsula with the 'END Initiative'" (Comprehensive)

On September 23 (local time), President Lee Jaemyung, in his keynote address at the 80th United Nations (UN) General Assembly, unveiled the 'END (Exchange·Normalization·Denuclearization) Initiative' as a new framework for the Korean Peninsula peace process and pledged that South Korea would fulfill its responsibilities and roles to contribute to global peace and prosperity. President Lee stated, "The most certain peace is a state where there is no need to fight," emphasizing, "Through comprehensive dialogue centered on Exchange, Normalization, and Denuclearization-namely, 'END'-we must bring an end (END) to the era of hostility and confrontation on the Korean Peninsula and open a new era of peaceful coexistence and joint growth."

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President Lee, as the seventh keynote speaker at the high-level session of the UN General Assembly held at the UN headquarters in New York, presented the restoration of trust between the two Koreas as the first step. He declared, "The government of the Republic of Korea will respect the other side's system, will not pursue any form of unification by absorption, and makes it clear once again that it has no intention of engaging in any hostile acts." This is the first time President Lee has unveiled the 'END Initiative.'

He further stated, "Immediately after taking office, I proactively implemented measures such as halting the distribution of leaflets to North Korea and suspending loudspeaker broadcasts," adding, "Going forward, our government will consistently seek ways to reduce military tensions and restore trust between the two Koreas." President Lee continued, "While pursuing the development of inter-Korean relations, we will also actively support and cooperate with efforts to normalize relations within the international community, including between North Korea and the United States." Regarding denuclearization, he reiterated, "The international community should pool its wisdom to devise a practical, step-by-step solution, starting with a 'halt' to the advancement of nuclear and missile capabilities, then moving through a process of 'reduction,' and ultimately achieving 'elimination.'"

President Lee also declared that South Korea had fully returned to the international community after overcoming the '12·3 Martial Law,' which shook democracy at the end of last year. He said, "There were times when democracy and peace were in crisis, but the Republic of Korea has always risen with indomitable strength," adding, "Not even a pro-military coup could break the strong will of the Korean people who yearn for democracy and peace."

President Lee continued, "Last winter, the 'Revolution of Light' achieved by the Korean people in the face of the darkness of rebellion was a historic moment that demonstrated the shining achievements of the UN spirit." He also quoted a line from the novel "The Boy Is Coming" by Nobel Prize in Literature winner Han Kang: "I hope you will lead me to the bright side, to where the light shines, to where the flowers bloom."

He went on to say, "The Republic of Korea will serve as a 'beacon of light' for all those who embark on the journey toward democracy," and declared, "At the UN General Assembly, I proudly announce that the new Republic of Korea, which will serve as a light for global citizens, has fully returned to the international community."

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President Lee stated that 'more democracy' is needed to strengthen UN-centered multilateralism. He said, "When all countries facing the same challenges gather here at the UN and continue 'multilateral cooperation,' we can all move toward a bright future of peace and prosperity." He expressed hope that the 'UN80 Initiative' proposed by the UN Secretary-General would become a vision for the evolution and development of the UN. Regarding the UN Security Council, he said, "I hope that it will expand the number of non-permanent members and enhance effectiveness and representation to reflect the changed international environment."

He also pledged that South Korea would fulfill its role as a responsible global power, steadfastly upholding the values of freedom, human rights, inclusion, and solidarity that the UN espouses. President Lee said, "We will further develop our systems and culture so that all domestic and foreign residents in the Republic of Korea can be respected as equal members of society in every aspect of life," adding, "South Korea will realize the value of respect for human rights, strengthen cooperation with the international community, and take a leading role."

He also expressed South Korea's commitment to leading the way in multilateral cooperation for a sustainable future. President Lee stated, "The more challenging the times, the more we must return to the UN's founding spirit of faith in universal human values," and added, "For a better world for future generations, we must cooperate more, trust more, and hold hands more firmly today. Democratic Korea will take the lead."

Regarding the changes driven by artificial intelligence (AI), President Lee said that we must respond proactively to lay the foundation for innovation and prosperity. He emphasized that in an era where AI technology determines security capabilities and cyberattacks threaten national security, we must confront not only 'visible enemies' but also 'invisible enemies.' He warned, "If we passively follow the changes of the AI era, we will face a dystopia of deepening polarization and inequality." President Lee stressed, "However, if we respond proactively to change, we can use high productivity as a driving force to build a foundation for innovation and prosperity and create a useful basis for strengthening direct democracy."

He also announced plans to share a vision for the future of AI through the 'APEC AI Initiative' at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in Gyeongju at the end of October. President Lee said, "We will strive to ensure that the vision of 'AI for All,' where advanced technology contributes to universal human values, becomes the 'new normal' for the international community," adding, "Technological innovation led by AI will become an important and new tool for solving global challenges such as the climate crisis." On September 24, as chair of the Security Council, President Lee also plans to discuss the need for international efforts to promote the responsible use of AI at an open debate session.

He also pledged to strengthen cooperation on the climate crisis, energy transition, and marine solidarity. President Lee said, "We are pursuing an 'energy transition' by using science, technology, and digital innovation to improve energy efficiency and expand the share of renewable energy," adding, "Within this year, we will submit a responsible 'national greenhouse gas reduction target' and join the united will of the international community." He also stated, "At the 'Fourth UN Ocean Conference,' which will be co-hosted with Chile in 2028, we will build practical solidarity for sustainable marine development."

President Lee further shared his thoughts on reforming global development governance. Regarding the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global development financing, he said, "We must move toward structurally reforming global development governance and improving the quality of resources," and added, "I believe that, with your support, there will be more cases like the Republic of Korea, which has grown and advanced from a 'recipient country' to a 'donor country.'"

Finally, President Lee said, "The more challenging the times, the more we must return to the UN's founding spirit of faith in universal human values," and added, "Transcending borders, language, and cultural differences, K-culture is connecting people around the world. Toward a new era of peaceful coexistence and joint growth on the Korean Peninsula, and toward a 'Better Together' future, the Republic of Korea will boldly take the lead at the forefront."

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