United nations: President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea has emphasized the need for global collaboration in ensuring the "responsible use" of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) pivotal role in developing a unified global strategy. Lee articulated his vision for AI during an open debate at the UNSC, marking the first occasion a South Korean president has presided over such a session.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the discussion on AI arises at a time when international cooperation is increasingly necessary to address concerns over AI and other emerging technologies potentially being used in ways that threaten security and human rights. Lee expressed the importance of transforming the dual nature of the AI era-where benefits and risks coexist-into opportunities through international unity to uphold the principle of "responsible use of AI." He urged governments, academia, industry, and civil society to collaborate and drive innovation towards "AI for all" and "inclusive and human-centric AI."

Lee underscored the responsibility of the council to evaluate the evolving international security environment and create collective responses, pledging South Korea's active participation in these efforts. "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," he asserted.

In his capacity as the chair of the forthcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, Lee announced that South Korea would introduce a global initiative to ensure AI innovation advances human prosperity. Furthermore, Seoul has been at the forefront of international efforts, including introducing the first-ever U.N. General Assembly resolution on AI in the military domain and hosting the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit in Seoul last year.

South Korea has also bolstered U.N. initiatives to combat disinformation targeting peacekeepers and has proposed a resolution on emerging technologies and human rights at the Human Rights Council. Lee remarked on the significance of chairing the UNSC meeting as South Korea assumes the council's rotating presidency this month as a non-permanent member for the 2024-2025 term. This marks the third time South Korea has served as a non-permanent UNSC member since joining the U.N. in 1991.

Lee highlighted the importance of initiating the first open debate on AI for all U.N. member states, a topic proposed by Seoul to catalyze global efforts in addressing the rapidly changing international security landscape due to advances in AI technology. Reflecting on the U.N.'s historical focus on managing nuclear threats, Lee stated, "Now it is time to explore new governance structures to address the new challenges and threats posed by AI."