Researchers and business officials from the Indo-Pacific region gathered at a symposium in Seoul to discuss the ethical use of artificial intelligence and the challenges in upholding human rights and democratic values in the face of rapid AI advancements. Hosted by the Canadian Embassy in Seoul, the event aimed to share diverse perspectives on preserving these principles.
Canadian Ambassador to South Korea, Tamara Mawhinney, highlighted the potential catastrophic consequences of misjudgments in AI development and application. She emphasized the importance of companies and governments adhering to their responsibilities under the UN guiding principles on business and human rights throughout the AI lifecycle.
Canada expressed anticipation for South Korea’s leadership in the upcoming AI Safety Summit in May 2024, following the success of the inaugural event in Britain last year. Kim Myoung-shin from LG Group’s AI research center stressed the importance of responsible AI usage to maintain customer trust and advocated for multi-sectoral cooperation to build trustworthy AI systems.
Daniel Remier from the U.S. Department of State underscored the need for international collaboration in developing AI standards, emphasizing the role of organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology in engaging with global partners.
The symposium, jointly organized with the embassies of the U.S., Australia, and Singapore, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea, brought together approximately 80 participants to discuss the future of AI ethics. Panel discussions were led by AI professor Alice Oh from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology.
The event highlighted the importance of cooperation among nations, businesses, and institutions to ensure the safe and ethical utilization of AI technologies. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, maintaining human rights and democratic values remains a critical priority for the global community.