Laying the Foundation for Regularized Cooperation Channels...
"Expanding the AI Ecosystem"
Minister Baek Kyunghoon to Discuss AI Cooperation with White House Director
On August 4, Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyunghoon emphasized the significance of adopting a declaration at the 'Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ministerial Meeting,' which was led by Korea. He stated, "We have established a practical starting point to fully initiate cooperation among member economies in the region."
Science and ICT Minister Hoon Baeghak announced the outcomes of the 'APEC Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ministerial Meeting' to reporters on the afternoon of the 4th at Songdo Convensia in Incheon. Photo by Kyungjo No
Minister Baek met with reporters at Songdo Convensia in Incheon in the afternoon after the meeting and said, "We have codified the digital and AI agenda, which had previously been discussed at the working level, into joint principles and directions for cooperation at the ministerial level."
The declaration adopted by ministerial-level officials in the digital and AI sectors from 21 APEC member economies is themed 'Digital and AI Transformation for Inclusive Prosperity and Sustainable Growth.' It focuses on addressing shared challenges through digital and AI technologies, expanding universal and meaningful connectivity, and building a safe and trustworthy digital ecosystem.
Minister Baek noted, "There were difficulties in coordinating due to differing policy priorities and geopolitical differences among member economies, but we managed to reach a consensus." He added, "This can be interpreted as an important signal of the international community's strong commitment to digital and AI cooperation."
The declaration specifically recommends adopting appropriate methods to enhance digital infrastructure so that everyone can benefit, in response to the continuously increasing demand for data. It also calls for cooperation to expand the overall AI ecosystem by facilitating data flows in digital transactions and strengthening the trust of both consumers and businesses.
It was acknowledged that even after the completion of this year's APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap (AIDER) implementation work program, there is a need to develop methodologies to further advance AIDER's goals. The ongoing development of the APEC AI Initiative led by Korea was also highly praised.
Minister Baek viewed this meeting as an important opportunity to broaden channels of cooperation among APEC member economies. He said, "We have established a structural foundation to regularize high-level digital and AI consultative bodies within APEC," and added, "We will initiate various forms of cooperation, including joint research projects and international standardization efforts in the future."
Furthermore, he expressed hope that the adoption of this ministerial declaration will contribute to deeper discussions and tangible outcomes regarding 'innovation' at the upcoming APEC Summit in October.
On August 5, the government will co-host the 'Global Digital and AI Forum' with the World Bank. Minister Baek plans to meet with Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, to discuss cooperation measures related to AI technology investment and independent foundation models.
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