South Korea, World Bank Launch AI Hub in Seoul for Digital Equity
Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il announced the plan at the Global AI and Digital Summit in Seoul, stressing technology access for developing nations.
South Korea's Global AI Vision
South Korea's Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il declared on Tuesday that the nation would support establishing a global "artificial intelligence basic society". This initiative aims to ensure no country is excluded from the ongoing AI transformation.
Addressing the Global AI and Digital Summit in Seoul, Mr Lee referenced South Korea's own history, evolving from an aid recipient into an economy significantly reshaped by technology. The three-day summit, co-hosted by South Korea's science ministry and the World Bank, commenced on Tuesday. South Korea intends to utilise its experience to partner with developing nations in their AI adoption.
Building a Multilateral AI Hub
To achieve this vision, South Korea is collaborating with six multilateral development banks, including the World Bank, to establish a dedicated AI hub within the country. This facility will integrate their individual AI cooperation centres.
Mr Lee stated that the primary goal of launching this hub is to guarantee that all countries and individuals can access the advantages of artificial intelligence, thereby realising the "global AI basic society" concept. This move highlights a commitment to equitable technological advancement worldwide.
Expanding Development Partnerships
Earlier on Monday, Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il met with World Bank President Ajay Banga in Seoul. Their discussions centred on how South Korea could share its expertise in AI and nuclear energy technologies with developing nations. The objective is to assist these countries in securing stable power supplies and fostering sustainable economic growth.
According to South Korea's finance ministry, both officials underscored the importance of industrial development that generates employment and opportunities for younger generations, promoting inclusive and lasting progress across the developing world.
The Global AI and Digital Summit attracted approximately 900 participants from some 160 countries, making it the largest gathering since the World Bank launched the annual event in 2024, the finance ministry reported. South Korea's initiative for an inclusive AI society holds particular relevance for Asia, where significant digital divides persist across various economies.
The establishment of an AI hub, supported by multilateral banks, could accelerate technology transfer and capacity building for nations like Vietnam or Indonesia, potentially lowering the cost of AI adoption and fostering new digital industries.
This programme may also encourage other advanced Asian economies to increase their contributions to regional AI development initiatives.
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