South Korean President Lee Jae Myung made history on Tuesday by leading an open debate on artificial intelligence at the UN Security Council in New York. He’s the first South Korean president to chair such a session, and it comes right after his country took over the rotating presidency of the council this month as a non-permanent member for the 2024-2025 term.
During the AI debate, Lee called for responsible use of the technology to boost international peace and security. In his separate address to the UN General Assembly that day, he highlighted the risks of just going along with the AI boom without a plan. He warned it could spark polarization, widen inequality, and even lead to human rights problems. But if countries step up, Lee said, AI’s power could fuel innovation, prosperity, and a healthier democracy.
Lee also shared plans to ramp up global AI cooperation. At the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju from October 31 to November 1, South Korea will unveil a new “AI Initiative” to get things moving.
Before the UN Security Council session, Lee held quick meetings with the leaders of Italy, France, and Poland. They talked about ways to deepen ties between their countries and South Korea.
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Lee met face-to-face with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev—their first in-person chat after a July phone call. The two leaders focused on growing economic links, especially in critical minerals and infrastructure.
Uzbekistan has plenty of natural resources, while South Korea brings top-notch technology to the table, Lee noted. He pushed for joint projects in transportation and infrastructure, like building railways, airports, and roads, plus stronger supply chains for key minerals to create real wins for both sides.
Lee pointed out that over 170,000 ethnic Koreans living in Uzbekistan play a big role in strengthening political and economic bonds. He asked Mirziyoyev to keep supporting them. The leaders also committed to making next year’s first-ever Korea-Central Asia Summit a success.
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