Lee Proposes 'AI Initiative' [Gyeongju APEC]

In a special address at the APEC CEO Summit held at the Gyeongju Arts Center on the 29th, President Lee Jae-myung stated, "Innovation is the foundation and key tool for future growth," and emphasized, "Today, the core driving sustainable development is artificial intelligence (AI)."
President Lee explained, "In May, at the Trade Ministers’ Meeting, Korea introduced artificial intelligence technology into customs administration and laid the groundwork for cooperation on technology and standards." He continued, "In September, we established the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy Committee to prepare for the AI era and are also working on building the AI Highway." He added, "The Basic Act on Artificial Intelligence, which aims to balance industrial development with the responsible use of AI, is also set to be implemented soon." Lee noted, "Here in Gyeongju stands Cheomseongdae, the oldest astronomical observatory in the East. Just as Cheomseongdae read the movement of stars as data, AI will become the engine of intelligence, offering humanity new insights and direction."
President Lee announced, "At this summit, I will propose the 'AI for All Initiative,' and I hope this vision will become a new standard for APEC." He also remarked, "Prosperity is a promise to future generations. APEC has led economic growth at the forefront of free trade and investment liberalization, and now we must work together to share opportunities and benefits of growth for sustainable development and shared prosperity." His comments were interpreted as an emphasis on the importance of multilateral cooperation in the face of rising protectionism and nationalism.
President Lee introduced, "Established in 2005 under Korea's leadership, the APEC SME Innovation Center has continued to provide tailored consulting for small and medium-sized enterprises. Since 2012, through capacity-building projects for developing countries, Korea has shared its accumulated expertise in areas such as intellectual property rights and trade dispute resolution."
He added, "Through the Jeju Initiative adopted at the SME Ministers’ Meeting in September, the APEC Startup Alliance was launched. Korea will continue to fulfill its role as a leading nation, generously sharing its experiences in economic growth and development."
President Lee also pledged, "We will dedicate efforts to nurturing young talent who will be responsible for APEC’s future." He continued, "In August, Korea established the APEC Future Prosperity Fund and contributed $1 million. Through this, we will prioritize support for five key areas: youth knowledge exchange, digital competency enhancement, research on demographic and environmental issues, startup support, and technology training."
Additionally, President Lee stated, "Just as the Hwarang system of Silla fostered young talent and ushered in an era of unification, APEC’s future talent development programs will lay the foundation for sustainable growth and shared prosperity." He emphasized, "In times of crisis and uncertainty, unity and cooperation are the keys that will lead us all to a brighter future. This undeniable truth was proven by Korea’s K-Democracy, which dispelled the darkness of unrest last winter with a wave of multicolored cheering sticks."
west@fnnews.com Seong Seok-woo Reporter