Johannesburg: President Lee Jae Myung announced on Sunday that South Korea will host the Group of 20 (G20) summit in 2028, emphasizing a "profound sense of responsibility" to enhance the forum's role in global economic cooperation. Lee's declaration came during the third session of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, where South Korea was confirmed to take over the presidency after the United States in 2026 and the United Kingdom in 2027.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee stated, "With a profound sense of responsibility, we will do our utmost to ensure that the G20 further consolidates its role as the premier forum for international economic cooperation." This endeavor will be a significant milestone in Lee's administration, which has also overseen South Korea's leadership of the U.N. Security Council and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit earlier this year.
During the summit, which focused on "A Fair and Just Future for All," Lee stressed the importance of establishing a stable supply chain for critical minerals, especially amid the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China over rare earth minerals. "We must establish a stable and mutually beneficial supply chain for critical minerals, where mineral-rich and mineral-importing countries share the benefits," he remarked.
Lee also welcomed the G20's adoption of the Critical Minerals Framework and highlighted Seoul's initiatives as chair of the Minerals Security Partnership. He announced the launch of the Korea-Africa Critical Minerals Cooperation Initiative to promote international collaboration. "The Republic of Korea will continue to support international efforts to build mutually beneficial and resilient supply chains," Lee added.
Addressing the topic of artificial intelligence (AI), Lee advocated for global frameworks that ensure equitable access to AI technologies. He committed to working with the international community to advance South Korea's vision for inclusive AI, stating, "The advancement of AI must provide fair opportunities for all nations and all peoples."
As the chair of APEC this year, South Korea led efforts to adopt an AI initiative and pledged to extend its impact globally. Lee also introduced programs aimed at enhancing the digital capabilities of women and youth across Africa.
The presidential office noted that Lee's participation in the G20 summit expanded the reach of his pragmatic diplomacy, focusing on national interests and extending into the Global South, which includes developing economies in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
During earlier sessions, Lee committed South Korea to fostering inclusive economic growth and revitalizing the World Trade Organization while addressing climate change and the global food crisis. "Considering this year's gathering marks the first G20 summit held in Africa, President Lee demonstrated his commitment to solidarity and cooperation with Africa," remarked third deputy national security adviser Oh Hyun-joo during a briefing in Johannesburg.
President Lee is scheduled to meet with Korean residents in South Africa before departing for Turkey, the final destination of his Middle East and Africa tour. In Ankara, he will engage in summit talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with discussions likely to focus on defense and nuclear energy industries.