President Lee Chairs Security Council Open Debate: "AI-Driven Changes Must Become a Springboard for Humanity's Progress"

On September 24 (local time), President Lee Jaemyung presided over a United Nations Security Council open debate at the UN headquarters in New York, emphasizing the need for humanity to turn the changes brought by artificial intelligence (AI), which he described as a "civilizational paradigm shift," into a springboard for a new leap forward. He also announced that South Korea, as a globally responsible nation, would lead international cooperation and, as the chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, would push for the adoption of the "APEC AI Initiative" to ensure that AI innovation contributes to the prosperity of humanity.

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During his opening remarks at the Security Council open debate on "AI and International Peace and Security" held at the UN headquarters, President Lee quoted Geoffrey Hinton, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, who compared current AI to a "tiger cub." President Lee stated, "A tiger cub can grow into a fierce beast that could devour us, or it could become a lovable character like 'Duppy' from K-Pop Demon Hunters. Similarly, a knife can be a great tool for a chef to make others happy, but in the hands of a robber, it becomes a dangerous weapon that harms others."

President Lee further explained, "If we use AI wisely, we can solve difficult problems such as low growth and high inflation, opening new paths to prosperity and offering solutions to issues in healthcare, food, and education. However, if we fail to prepare for these changes and are dragged along, a severe technological gap could create a 'silicon curtain' surpassing the 'iron curtain,' deepening global inequality and imbalance."

He stressed that, to turn the changes of an AI era-where light and shadow coexist-into opportunities, the international community must unite to establish principles for "responsible use." President Lee said, "In an era where AI technological capability equates to national power, economic strength, and security capacity, it is neither possible nor realistic to reverse technological progress as in the past Luddites movement. The only wise response is to 'compete for national interests, but cooperate for the benefit of all.'"

In this process, he emphasized the even greater role and responsibility of the Security Council. He noted that while AI holds immense potential and possibilities in the field of international peace and security, which affects the lives and safety of countless people, it also entails significant risks.

President Lee stated, "From intelligence and reconnaissance to logistics and planning, AI is enhancing accuracy and precision across all military fields and driving operational efficiency and innovation in command systems. If used properly, AI can become an excellent tool to prevent conflict and maintain peace, such as by monitoring the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction." He added, "However, if this formidable tool loses control, we may face a dystopian future filled with disinformation, surging terrorism, and cyberattacks. Security instability could intensify due to an 'AI-driven arms race.'"

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President Lee emphasized that, just as the Security Council has actively responded to evolving threats such as terrorism and cyberattacks and provided direction and vision to the international community, it must now analyze the changing security environment in the AI era and develop joint response measures. He stated that South Korea, as a "globally responsible nation," would take the lead in promoting international cooperation to ensure AI becomes a tool for a sustainable future for humanity.

President Lee noted, "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 on Responsible AI in the Military (REAIM). We supported efforts to strengthen the UN peacekeeping forces' capacity to counter disinformation and, as a member of the Human Rights Council, led resolutions on 'new technologies and human rights.'"

He also stated, "At the AI Seoul Summit last May, we adopted the 'Seoul Declaration,' presenting three core visions: safety, innovation, and inclusion. As the chair of APEC, we are working to adopt the 'APEC AI Initiative' to ensure that AI innovation contributes to the prosperity of humanity." He added, "Through these efforts, we are striving to make 'AI-based society' and 'AI for all,' where the benefits of technological advancement are shared by everyone, the new normal for a new era."

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