New york: South Korea officially began its rotating monthlong presidency of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday, unveiling a plan for President Lee Jae Myung to preside over the country's signature event on artificial intelligence (AI) later this month. Kim Sang-jin, South Korea's charge d'affaires to the U.N., addressed a press briefing to explain the "program of work," which outlines UNSC plans for meetings and other engagements for September, as South Korea, a nonpermanent UNSC member, holds the presidency for the first time since June last year.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim stated that South Korea will "humbly" assume the presidency, emphasizing Seoul's commitment to leading the council with "efficiency, transparency and inclusiveness." He highlighted South Korea's embodiment of the U.N.'s three pillars-peace, development, and human rights-and expressed the nation's dedication to actively contributing to the council's work.
Among this month's UNSC events, Kim emphasized the plan for South Korea to host a high-level open debate on AI on September 24 under the agenda of maintaining international peace and security. President Lee will preside over the event, marking the first time a South Korean president will lead a UNSC gathering. Lee is also scheduled to attend the U.N. General Assembly and deliver a keynote speech on September 23.
"This council has already held two briefings on AI since 2023," Kim said. "Given the rapid development and global spread of this technology, we believe that a high-level discussion is both timely and necessary to maximize AI's benefits while minimizing its risks."
In its role as the presiding UNSC member, South Korea plans to hold an open debate next Tuesday on U.N. peacekeeping operations, a priority agenda item the country is promoting. The country's foreign ministry aims to rally international support for the necessity and importance of U.N. peace activities.
Throughout the month, the UNSC will discuss measures to secure peace and stability in regions including Israel, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Afghanistan. The council also intends to engage in discussions on women, peace and security, as well as climate change-related issues.
Though the UNSC held a meeting on North Korean human rights during Seoul's presidency in June last year, no council schedule has been announced to discuss North Korea-related issues this month. However, Kim mentioned that the council is prepared to convene in response to potential North Korean provocations, such as an intercontinental ballistic missile launch.
Addressing a question about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's trip to China for a military parade, the diplomat noted that South Korea is monitoring his movements closely. Kim Jong-un plans to attend the Beijing parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, standing alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"We believe that Kim Jong-un's trip and possible summit with neighboring countries need to be conducted in a way conducive to bringing about peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and helping achieve our shared goal of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Kim said. "I hope our neighboring countries will play a constructive role in that regard."
The UNSC presidency rotates among the council's 15 member states on a monthly basis.