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President Lee Jae-myung chairs an open debate at the United Nations Security Council on the theme of “AI and International Peace and Security” at U.N. headquarters in New York on September 24. / Source: Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung on September 24 (local time) chaired a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate in New York, declaring that Korea will spearhead international cooperation to ensure artificial intelligence becomes “a tool for humanity’s sustainable future.” It was the first time a Korean president presided over an open UNSC discussion.

As council chair, Lee set the theme of “AI and International Peace and Security,” urging member states to unite behind principles of responsible use and pledging a leading role for Korea, a global powerhouse in AI.

“How we handle AI will determine the future that lies ahead of us,” Lee said in his opening remarks. Citing computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton’s analogy that today’s AI is like “a baby tiger,” Lee warned that it could either grow into “a ferocious beast that devours us or a lovable companion like ‘Duppy’ from K-pop Demon Hunters.”

He stressed that “the only wise response is to compete for national interests while cooperating for the benefit of all,” adding that the Security Council’s role and responsibility are “heavier than ever.”

Lee highlighted Korea’s recent initiatives, including co-sponsoring the U.N.’s first resolution on military AI with the Netherlands, hosting the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) summit, supporting U.N. peacekeepers against disinformation, and leading resolutions on “new technologies and human rights” at the Human Rights Council.

He also cited the “Seoul Declaration” adopted at last year’s AI Seoul Summit, outlining the three pillars of safety, innovation, and inclusiveness, and Korea’s efforts as APEC chair to push for an “APEC AI Initiative” to ensure AI innovation benefits humanity.

Through these efforts, Lee said, Korea is working toward an “AI basic society” where everyone shares in the benefits of technological progress. “In the face of a civilizational transformation brought by AI, humanity stands at a historic crossroads where universal values must be preserved,” he declared.

He concluded by invoking the U.N.’s legacy of advancing peace and prosperity amid crises: “Let us not shirk our new historic mission. Let us turn the changes AI will bring into a platform for humanity’s leap forward.”