President Lee: "We Must Foster an AI-Friendly Environment... Vision for a Global AI Basic Society" [Gyeongju APEC]

President Lee Jaemyung stated at the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit on November 1 that "we must create a socio-economic environment conducive to artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and promote public-private cooperation to support the creativity of businesses."

On the second day of the APEC Summit, President Lee made these remarks during the Economic Leaders' Meeting session, delivering the opening address. This session, held in the format of a "retreat meeting," allowed member countries to freely exchange opinions without being constrained by formalities or procedures. The theme of the meeting was "An Asia-Pacific Vision Prepared for Future Change."

President Lee emphasized, "Our APEC members already possess the potential and capabilities to proactively respond to the changes brought by artificial intelligence. Five out of the top ten countries in AI capabilities are APEC members, and all four of the top countries holding the most AI-related patents are also APEC members."

Yonhap News Agency

He continued, "The most important principle is that technological innovation should drive inclusive growth-an 'AI Basic Society,' 'AI for All.' The Republic of Korea has set the realization of a 'Global AI Basic Society,' where everyone worldwide can benefit from technological advancement, as its core vision and will steadily implement policies to achieve this goal."

He added, "The 'APEC AI Initiative' proposed by the Republic of Korea is also a result of our firm determination to turn the enormous changes brought by AI into opportunities for us."

Remarks were also made regarding another topic of the session: demographic issues. President Lee stated, "Changes in demographic structure pose a serious and significant crisis, affecting the entire society, including economic growth, the labor market, education, and welfare. To seek a joint solution at the APEC level, the Republic of Korea has proposed the 'APEC Joint Framework for Responding to Demographic Changes.'"

President Lee also suggested finding new engines of growth to address both AI and demographic changes. He assessed, "The creativity and power of exchange inherent in culture will not only generate economic value but also further strengthen understanding and solidarity among members."

Meanwhile, the Office of the President announced that during the latter part of the session, the "Gyeongju Declaration," summarizing the outcomes of the discussions, as well as documents related to AI and demographic structure, are scheduled to be officially adopted.