First Korean President to Chair Security Council Open Debate

President Lee Jae-myung chaired a United Nations Security Council open debate at UN Headquarters in New York on the 24th (local time). This marks the first time a Korean president has done so. The meeting addressed the topic of 'AI (Artificial Intelligence) and International Peace and Security' and holds special significance as the first UN-wide discussion on AI involving all member states.

The opportunity arose as South Korea assumed the Security Council presidency in September this year. President Lee, who was visiting the United States to attend the UN General Assembly, stated in a brief briefing before the meeting: "I consider chairing this meeting deeply meaningful, especially as it is the first AI-themed discussion open to all UN member states."

Emphasis on Need for New International Governance in AI Era

President Lee diagnosed the situation: "Today, AI technology development is going beyond transforming our daily lives to rapidly changing the international security environment." He emphasized: "If the UN's main concern at its founding 80 years ago was 'how to manage the threat of newly emerged nuclear weapons,' now is the time to seek new governance appropriate for the new threats and challenges of AI."

This reflects recognition that AI technology has the potential to reshape the international security order itself beyond mere technological innovation. In reality, AI can be utilized as a tool for various security threats including cyber attacks, autonomous weapons systems, and disinformation spread, creating an urgent need for international norms and management systems.

Korea's AI Diplomacy Leadership Revealed

President Lee stated: "The Republic of Korea has been leading cooperation with the international community so that technological innovation brought by AI can contribute to international peace and security," adding "Today's meeting will be an important opportunity showing that Korea is taking the lead in creating 'a better world.'"

South Korea has played an active role in international AI governance discussions, participating as a co-host of the 2024 AI Safety Summit and leading the 2025 AI Seoul Declaration. This Security Council open debate chairmanship demonstrates Korea's proactive participation in shaping the international order for the AI era as an extension of these efforts.

[AI Analysis] Future Prospects for AI Governance Discussion

This Security Council open debate has high potential to serve as a starting point for establishing international norms on AI technology. While AI regulation currently proceeds individually through each country—including the EU AI Act, US executive orders, and China's generative AI regulations—unified guidelines at the international security level remain absent.

Particularly, Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) and AI-based cyber warfare capabilities are identified as new destabilizing factors in international security, suggesting UN-level discussions will intensify. However, given the fierce AI technology hegemony competition among major powers, reaching a binding international agreement may take considerable time.

Through this presidency role, Korea is expected to strengthen its position as a mediator and coordinator in AI governance discussions. If Korea gains recognition as a nation that is both an AI technology advanced country and capable of maintaining a neutral stance, it could continue playing a role in the international AI norm formation process.