President Lee Attends Second Day of G7 Working Luncheon: "AI Must Be a Tool for Inclusive Growth, Not a Privilege for the Few"

Final Session of the G7 Summit
Discussing Safe Adoption Measures with Global AI Company CEOs
Emphasizing Private Sector Innovation, Government Responsibility, and Cybersecurity Cooperation

President Lee Jae-myung is attending the working luncheon, the final session of the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Evian, France, on June 17 (local time), where he will discuss the safe and rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and strategies for its inclusive utilization. At this event, President Lee is expected to deliver a message emphasizing that "AI must not become a privilege for the few, but should serve as a tool for inclusive growth for all."

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung are taking a commemorative photo with the spouses of the heads of state attending the Group of Seven (G7) summit official dinner held in Evian-les-Bains, France on the 16th (local time). 2026.6.17 Yonhap News
Photo by Yonhap News

Kang Yoo-jung, Chief Spokesperson for the Presidential Office, announced in a written briefing that President Lee would attend the G7 summit's working luncheon. The theme of this luncheon is "Ensuring the Safe, Fast, and Efficient Adoption of Artificial Intelligence." In addition to the leaders of G7 member states and invited countries, CEOs of major AI and digital companies will participate to discuss topics such as growth and resilience, cybersecurity, protection of minors, and safeguarding democracy.

At the luncheon, President Lee plans to highlight the crucial role of private companies in driving AI innovation. He will also introduce the government's AI industry development policies and digital transformation strategies, and underscore the need for international cooperation and institutional support to ensure that the benefits of AI technology are not concentrated in specific countries, companies, or social groups.

The previous day, during the first session of the G7 expanded meeting, President Lee had already stressed the paramount importance of sharing the outcomes of AI technological advancements with all countries worldwide and growing together. Expressing concerns that technological gaps between countries could translate into economic disparities, he also presented South Korea's visions for a "Global AI Basic Society" and a "Global AI Hub."

President Lee is also expected to emphasize that both governments and companies must share responsibility for ensuring safety in the digital space. He will call for close cooperation between the public and private sectors to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities, so that AI is not misused as a means for cyberattacks, manipulation of public opinion, or exacerbating discrimination against vulnerable groups.

Chief Spokesperson Kang stated, "We hope that this working luncheon will serve as an opportunity to increase understanding of South Korea's AI and digital policies among G7 member states, invited nations, and global AI and digital companies, as well as to lay the foundation for enhanced cooperation in the future."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.