New york: President Lee Jae Myung presided over an open debate of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) on artificial intelligence (AI) in New York on Wednesday, calling for coordinated efforts to address emerging threats posed by the rapidly advancing technology.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the debate on AI came amid the growing need for international cooperation in addressing concerns about the possibility of AI and other cutting-edge technologies being used in ways that could undermine security and human rights.

Lee expressed it was "deeply meaningful" that he became the first South Korean president to chair a UNSC session, as the nation assumed the council's rotating presidency this month as a non-permanent member for the 2024-2025 term. He highlighted the significance of chairing the first open debate on AI convened for all U.N. member states, a topic proposed by Seoul to spur global efforts in addressing the evolving international security environment amid advances in AI technology.

Reflecting on history, Lee mentioned, "Eighty years ago, the U.N.'s central concern at its founding was how the international community would manage the emerging threat of nuclear weapons. Now it is time to explore new governance structures to address the new challenges and threats posed by AI." He emphasized South Korea's commitment to working with the international community to ensure AI innovation contributes to peace and security, pledging greater responsibility in global efforts.

South Korea has served as a non-permanent UNSC member three times since joining the U.N. in 1991.