Expanded Session Held on Themes Including Enhancing Community Safety and Global Security... President Lee Speaks Twice
Explains Importance of "Critical Mineral Supply Chains" Essential for Eco-Friendly Energy Ecosystem
President Lee: "Developing Low-Power AI Semiconductors... Building the Asia-Pacific's Leading AI Hub in Parallel"
Participates in Outcome Documents Adopted at the Summit: "G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan" and "Cananaskis Wildfire Charter"
President Lee Jaemyung, who is attending the Group of Seven (G7) Summit as the leader of an invited country, introduced Korea's policies and vision aimed at contributing to global prosperity through cooperation on energy supply chains, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and energy, and technological innovation during the expanded G7 session held as a working luncheon at the G7 Summit venue in Cananaskis on June 17 (local time). On this day, President Lee also participated as an invited country in two outcome documents adopted at the G7 Summit: the 'G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan' and the 'Cananaskis Wildfire Charter.'
The expanded session was held under three main themes: ▲Enhancing community safety and global security ▲Creating prosperity through energy security and digital transformation ▲Investing in partnerships for the future. The G7 Summit was attended by leaders of the G7 member states, leaders of seven invited countries including Korea, and heads of three international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), who discussed major global political and economic issues. During this expanded session, in which both G7 member and invited country leaders participated, each leader spoke twice.
In his first remarks, President Lee emphasized that achieving energy security and stabilizing critical mineral supply chains are key to global economic growth and prosperity. He stated that Korea would actively participate in international solidarity and cooperation to achieve these goals.
President Lee pointed out that, as AI technology advances and electricity demand surges, energy supply chains are being threatened by climate volatility and geopolitical instability. He stressed, "To ensure energy security, it is necessary to establish a stable, economical, and reliable energy system." He went on to say, "Let us strengthen energy security by building a robust renewable energy industrial ecosystem, establishing efficient energy infrastructure such as the 'energy highway,' and developing a trustworthy energy system that can withstand cyberattacks."
President Lee also explained the importance of critical mineral supply chains, which are essential for an eco-friendly energy ecosystem. He stated, "Korea is contributing to the stability of critical mineral supply chains by serving as the chair country of the 'Minerals Security Partnership (MSP).'" He added, "Going forward, we will further strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation with G7 member states, partner countries, and countries possessing critical minerals."
In his second remarks, which addressed the direction of AI technology development, President Lee outlined three tasks for the international community to prepare for the sweeping changes of the AI era. He emphasized, "To drive innovation in AI technology, a stable global AI ecosystem must be established." He continued, "Korea will actively contribute to international cooperation and solidarity for stabilizing the AI semiconductor supply chain and will enhance energy efficiency through the development of low-power AI semiconductors (NPUs)." He also stated that Korea would strive to secure the energy supply chains essential for the AI industry.
President Lee further highlighted the significant role of the private sector in AI innovation, saying, "To expand private sector participation, we will pursue a nationwide AI transformation through bold tax incentives, regulatory innovation, and the creation of a national fund, while simultaneously building the Asia-Pacific region's leading AI hub."
Additionally, President Lee expressed his commitment to working with the international community to ensure that all humanity can benefit from AI. He stated, "At this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju, Korea will present a vision and concrete implementation measures for global AI cooperation," and called for the active interest and participation of leaders from major countries.
Meanwhile, Korea participated as an invited country in two outcome documents adopted at this G7 Summit: the 'G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan' and the 'Cananaskis Wildfire Charter.' The 'G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan' contains measures for international cooperation to diversify supply chains, while the 'Cananaskis Wildfire Charter' addresses the need for a whole-of-society approach to wildfire prevention, response, and resilient recovery.
The Office of the President stated, "President Lee Jaemyung's attendance at this G7 Summit, which took place just over ten days after the launch of the Lee administration, is highly significant as it marks Korea's first appearance on the international stage signaling the restoration of Korean democracy and the resumption of summit diplomacy." The office added, "By sharing our vision for diversifying energy supply chains and building a global AI ecosystem, and by participating in international discussions in the new technology era to maximize national interests, we have worked to create favorable conditions for our economy. In this sense, this summit marks the full-scale implementation of 'pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests.'"
The office continued, "The government will further solidify Korea's international standing as a bona fide 'G7 Plus country' by actively participating in global discussions on key issues, including attendance at this G7 Summit, during this era of major transformation in the global economic and security environment."
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