2025 International Conference of the Korean Social Science Research Council
27 May 2025
Keynote Speech
Differentiated coworkers, renowned participants,
It is a privilege to join you basically for this important gathering of the Korean Social Science Research Council, and I am honoured to contribute to your timely representations on the future of governance in an era defined by AI transformation.
Expert system is improving not just our sectors, yet our societies and public establishments. It is reconfiguring just how public choices are made, just how solutions are provided, and exactly how citizens involve with their governments. This is a pivotal moment for freedoms. We are observing a significant shift: from reactive bureaucracies to anticipatory administration; from top-down structures to vibrant, data-informed ecological communities.
AI enables governments to provide services extra effectively with automation, anticipating analytics, and personalised interaction. In locations like health care, public transport, and social welfare, public institutions are already using AI-enabled tools to expect demands, lower expenses, and boost results. Below in Japan, where our UNU headquarters are based, artificial intelligence is currently being utilized to analyse countless federal government tasks, improving operational performance and service distribution. [1]
This is greater than just a technological change. It has extensive political and ethical effects, raising immediate concerns regarding equity, openness, and accountability. While AI holds significant promise, we need to not forget the threats. Mathematical predisposition can enhance discrimination. Monitoring innovations may endanger constitutionals rights. And a lack of oversight can lead to the erosion of public count on. As we digitise the state, we need to not digitise injustice.
In reaction, the United Nations has accelerated efforts to build an international administration architecture for AI. The High-Level Advisory Body on AI, developed by the Secretary-General, is functioning to attend to the international administration deficit and advertise principles that centre human rights, inclusivity, and sustainability. The Global Digital Compact, backed with the Deal for the Future, lays the foundation for an inclusive digital order– one that mirrors shared worths and worldwide cooperation.
At the United Nations University, we support this change via rigorous, policy-relevant research study. With 13 institutes in 12 countries, UNU is analyzing how AI can progress sustainable growth while ensuring nobody is left. From digital inclusion and catastrophe durability to ethical AI implementation in environmental governance and public health and wellness, our job seeks to make sure that AI serves the international good.
Nonetheless, the governance of artificial intelligence can not rest on the shoulders of international organisations alone. Structure honest and inclusive AI systems requires deeper collaboration throughout all industries, uniting academia, governments, the economic sector, and civil culture. It is just through interdisciplinary collaboration, international partnerships, and continual discussion that we can develop administration frameworks that are not just reliable, but reputable and future-proof.
Meetings such as this one play a crucial duty because effort, helping us to build bridges throughout boundaries and promote the trust fund and participation that honest AI governance needs. In words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, “AI is not stalling– neither can we. Allow us move for an AI that is shaped among humanity, for all of mankind.”
Allow us bear in mind: modern technology shapes power, but governance shapes justice. Our task is not just to regulate AI, but to reimagine administration itself. In doing so, we can construct public establishments that are a lot more dexterous, comprehensive, and resilient. I hope that this seminar will cultivate purposeful dialogue and new partnerships because effort.
Thank you.
[1] https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Artificial-intelligence/Japan-turns-to-AI-for-help-in-analyzing- 5 – 000 -government-projects