Foreign Minister Cho requests interests of diplomatic corps for third event
The Seoul diplomatic corps showed their keen interest in the third Summit for Democracy, which the South Korean government hosted this week in central Seoul.
Starting from France Amb. Philippe BERTOUX and Germany Amb. Georg Wilfried SCHMIDT, most envoys from the Seoul diplomatic corps attended the Ministerial Conference of the 3rd Summit for Democracy opening session.
Holding a special gala dinner for participating ministers around the world and ambassadors in Seoul earlier this week, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul said that the presence of numerous high-level officials signified the collective resolve to strengthen democracy globally.
At a time when geopolitical tensions are escalating, the world is witnessing a retreat from democratic values, which in turn reshapes the international landscape in profound ways, according to him.
Touching upon the interplay of artificial intelligence and digital technologies with democracy, Cho stressed that such a phenomenon presents both unparalleled opportunities and formidable challenges.
He also noted that these technologies enhance democratic engagement and amplify threats of misinformation, disinformation, and digital surveillance, undermining the very foundations of democratic societies.
“It is now upon us to steer this technological revolution in a way that upholds and promotes democratic values for the benefit of generations to come,” Cho said.
He mentioned that this effort calls for collaboration on an unprecedented scale, drawing together governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
On the first day of the Summit of Democracy held at the Hotel Shilla earlier this week in his welcoming speech, President Yoon Suk-yeol said that he would like to share Korea’s experience in democratic development with the international community.
He also said that Korea has developed democracy based on the belief in the universal values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.
President Yoon stressed that all politics and administration should consider what kind of preparation and role they should play for future generations, making young people collaborate in state affairs and making efforts to reflect their opinions throughout state affairs, and helping young people develop their capabilities.
In addition, President Yoon pointed out that AI and digital technology promote the benefits of life, while fake news and false information using them violate individual freedom and human rights and threaten even the democratic system.
President Yoon then introduced the Korean government’s contribution to establishing the values and principles of a digital prosperous society, including the Bill of Digital Rights, which was announced at the New York Digital Vision Forum in last September.
He emphasized that digital technologies, including AI, should contribute to the expansion of human freedom, allowing to enjoy the benefits evenly, and not threaten the safety of individuals and society.
For reference, on March 29-30, 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden co-hosted the second Summit for Democracy with the governments of Costa Rica, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, and the Republic of Zambia.
The second summit assembled world leaders in a virtual, plenary format, followed by gatherings in each co-host capital with representatives from government, civil society, and the private sector.
As for the first Summit for Democracy on December 9-10, 2021, President Biden hosted a virtual summit for leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector.
The summit focused on challenges and opportunities facing democracies and provided a platform for leaders to announce both individual and collective commitments, reforms, and initiatives to defend democracy and human rights at home and abroad.
For the United States, the summit offered an opportunity to listen, learn, and engage with a diverse range of actors whose support and commitment are critical for global democratic renewal.