"Right now, we are standing before a massive wave of transformation driven by digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). How we respond to this massive "Coming Wave" will determine everyone's future."
Bae Kyung-hun, Minister of Science and ICT, opened the 'Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting' at Songdo Convensia in Incheon on the 4th. This is the first time APEC ministers from the AI and digital sectors in the region have gathered for such a meeting.
Minister Bae, who chaired the meeting, expressed in his opening remarks, "I am very pleased to welcome you here in Incheon, Korea's representative port city," and added, "Even though the weather is hot, I am confident that this meeting will open up a refreshing future for APEC's digital and AI cooperation." He further noted, "I hope this meeting will serve as a milestone for cooperation toward 'everyone's AI.'
APEC refers to the largest regional economic cooperation body in the world, comprised of 21 member economies from the Asia-Pacific region. All APEC member economies, including the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy at the White House (a ministerial-level position), the Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology of China, and the Vice Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan, attended this meeting.
Minister Bae remarked on the meeting, saying, "Advanced digital technologies and AI will be a new opportunity to solve the challenges we are facing," and added, "During this ministerial meeting, we will explore the policy efforts of each member economy in seizing new opportunities and directions for international cooperation."
Korea will serve as the chair country for the APEC Summit to be held in Gyeongju in October. Ahead of this, the Ministry of Science and ICT set the theme for this 'APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting' in line with the summit as 'Digital and AI Transition for Everyone's Prosperity and Sustainable Growth.' Delegates from each country will share various opinions through three sessions focused on ▲innovation ▲consolidation ▲safety.
Through this meeting, APEC plans to adopt a 'ministerial declaration.' APEC member countries have been engaged in practical discussions since February to prepare for this. The declaration will incorporate APEC's shared vision on AI and digital cooperation, based on the discussions from the ministerial meeting. The Ministry of Science and ICT noted, "Amid fierce global AI competition, it is significant that major economies leading the AI field, such as the United States and China, have agreed on the direction of AI policy," adding, "This declaration will serve as a milestone for concretizing AI and digital cooperation at the APEC level."
Minister Bae stated, "Ways to expand universal and meaningful digital connectivity, as well as directions for creating a stable digital and AI ecosystem, will also be key points of discussion," and expressed hope that "this meeting will be an opportunity for APEC member economies to design together cooperation that encompasses innovation, consolidation, and ecosystems based on their diversity and experiences."
The 21 member economies participating in this APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting will specifically focus on discussing ▲activating ICT, digital, and AI innovations to solve challenges ▲enhancing universal and meaningful digital connectivity ▲creating a safe and trust-based digital and AI ecosystem.
The Ministry of Science and ICT will hold a 'Digital Week' until August 6 in conjunction with the ministerial meeting. This is considered APEC's flagship event aimed at promoting innovation and development through digital technology. This year, it will include the 71st regular meeting of the APEC Telecommunications Working Group (TELWG) and various workshops hosted by countries such as the United States, China, and Japan.