Science Ministry, World Bank to Co-Host "Global AI and Digital Summit"... Ministers and Vice Ministers from 50 Countries Head to Seoul

First AI and Digital Summit Held Outside the United States
Exploring International Cooperation in AI and Digital Fields

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyunghoon poses for a commemorative photo on the morning of the 19th with World Bank Vice President Kim Sangbu, co-chair of the Global AI Digital Summit and AI Digital Ministers' Meeting, and ministerial-level representatives from more than 60 countries. Provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the World Bank will hold the Global AI and Digital Summit (GADS) at the Grand Hyatt Seoul from October 19 to 22 to explore ways to strengthen international cooperation in AI and digital fields. It is the World Bank’s first AI and digital summit held outside the United States.

The World Bank is an international organization with 189 member countries that supports the economic and social development of developing countries through finance, policy and technology. The Ministry of Science and ICT co-hosted the event to share Korea’s AI and digital technologies and policy experience with the international community, drawing on the World Bank’s experience in development cooperation and its global network, and to expand practical cooperation opportunities with developing countries.

The event opened today with a ministerial meeting to discuss key policies and international cooperation in AI and digital fields. Policy forums and an exhibition where domestic and international companies will showcase innovative technologies and services will follow from October 20 to 21. On the final day, October 22, participants are scheduled to take part in a study tour to see firsthand how AI and digital technologies are being used in Korea.

The Ministry of Science and ICT has held digital ministerial meetings since 2005 and has continued discussions on cooperation with the international community. Following last year’s AI and digital ministerial meeting held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, attended by 21 member economies, this year’s meeting drew strong interest, with ministerial- and vice-ministerial-level representatives from more than 50 countries attending.

At today’s AI and Digital Ministers’ Meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyunghoon and World Bank Vice President Kim Sangbu served as co-chairs and discussed ways to cooperate on AI and digital transformation with representatives from participating countries. Under the theme “From Vision to Implementation,” participants shared their countries’ policy experiences and discussed international cooperation around three key agenda items: digital inclusion and expanded access, innovation in public services using AI, and the creation of an innovative AI and digital ecosystem. They issued a Chair’s Statement outlining the key discussions and future directions for cooperation.

Second Vice Minister of Science and ICT Ryu Jemyeong will attend a high-level exchange session and dinner today to discuss international cooperation in AI and digital fields. He also plans to introduce Korea’s key AI policies, including “AI for All,” to ministers and vice ministers from participating countries.

At the policy forums taking place from October 20 to 21, government officials, international organizations, and experts from industry and academia will share key policy developments and technology trends in AI and digital fields. On October 20, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy Lee Hyeongil is scheduled to deliver the opening remarks, highlighting the significance of the event and the importance of international cooperation. On October 21, Vice Minister of the Interior and Safety Kim Minjae and Director General of AI Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT Eom Yeol will share Korea’s policy experience.

On October 22, overseas participants will take part in a study tour to see firsthand how AI and digital technologies are being used in Korea. They are scheduled to visit key organizations and companies, including Korea Water Resources Corporation and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, to explore insights that could inform their countries’ AI and digital transformation policies.

Deputy Prime Minister Bae said, “We will actively cooperate with the international community to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably by all humanity through its responsible use. We hope this event will serve as a meaningful platform for cooperation and communication, turning our vision of a global AI-enabled society for all into concrete action.”

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