First day of Summit for Democracy stresses role of AI, digital transformation

Diplomacy

Published: 18 Mar. 2024, 18:42

First day of Summit for Democracy stresses role of AI, digital transformation

President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the opening ceremony of the third Summit for Democracy held at The Shilla Seoul in Jung District, central Seoul, on Monday. [PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE]

The third Summit for Democracy kicked off Monday, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighting the importance of making technological advances in AI and digital transformation in a way that safeguards democracy.

“Revitalizing democracy will require us to shape a technological future that is inclusive, rights-respecting, directed at driving progress in people’s lives, as authoritarian and repressive regimes deploy technologies to undermine democracy and human rights,” Blinken said in his opening remarks for the summit. “We need to ensure that technology sustains and supports democratic values and norms.

“Democracy doesn't happen by accident, and we have to renew it constantly,” Blinken added during his opening remarks. "We have to confront our shortcomings transparently, even when it's uncomfortable and even when it's painful. When we do so, we secure the knowledge that democracy is a shared aspiration for people around the world and that demand for representative democracy remains strong.”

President Yoon Suk Yeol attended the opening ceremony of the third Summit for Democracy, welcomed Blinken, and called the South Korea-U.S. ties an “alliance of values” that “is becoming even stronger because we share a belief in liberal democracy.”

“In keeping with the theme of this summit, ‘democracy for future generations,’ let us work closely together to pass on a better democracy to future generations,” Yoon stressed.

In response, Blinken said that the South Korea-U.S. relationship is “stronger than ever” and that “we will actively implement the achievements made through President Yoon’s state visit to Washington last year and the Camp David trilateral summit between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan this year.”

"Secretary Blinken said the United States will always be with South Korea to respond firmly to North Korea's provocations and for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," the presidential office also added in a press release, saying that Blinken further stressed strengthening "extended deterrence," referring to the U.S. commitment to use the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend South Korea.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul also stressed the “interplay of artificial intelligence and digital technologies with democracy” that presents “unparalleled opportunities and formidable challenges.”

President Yoon Suk Yeol, center, attends the opening ceremony of the third Summit for Democracy held at The Shilla Seoul in Jung District, central Seoul, on Monday. [PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE]

“At a time when geopolitical tensions are escalating, our world is witnessing the retreat from democratic values, which in turn reshapes the international landscape in profound ways — the breakneck speed of technological innovation is adding another layer of complexity to this dynamic,” said Cho in his remarks during the opening ceremony.

“While these technologies enhance democratic engagement, they also amplify the threats of misinformation, disinformation and digital surveillance undermining the very foundation of democratic societies. It is now upon us to steer this technological revolution in a way that promotes democratic values for the benefit of generations to come. This effort calls for collaboration on an unprecedented scale, drawing together governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and especially our youth, the agent of change and innovation.”

During Monday’s first summit session on AI and digital transformation in relation to democracy, Blinken further stressed the importance of “creating a more resilient information environment” as a core security interest and diplomatic priority in his keynote speech.

In particular, Blinken noted that this year is an “extraordinary election year” worldwide, with over 40 countries expected to hold presidential or general elections. He expressed concern that “citizens and candidates will face a flood of lies that will stifle serious debate in civil society.”

“Our competitors and enemies are exploiting the fractures within democratic societies by stoking suspicion, cynicism and instability through disinformation,” he said.

Blinken also mentioned examples of China and Russia using false information and described a covert campaign by Russia to undermine support for Ukraine in the Western Hemisphere.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, right, shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a meeting on the sidelines of the third Summit for Democracy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Jongno District, central Seoul, on Monday. [YONHAP]

“Digital technology is promoting democratic participation, but it is also amplifying the threat of fake news, disinformation and digital surveillance, which can undermine the foundation of a democratic society,” Foreign Minister Cho said.

“There is a risk that AI will be used to manipulate information from foreign countries,” Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said in a video speech during the session. "AI can be used to create and spread malicious narratives, thereby undermining democratic procedures and international cooperation.”

The Summit for Democracy is a U.S.-led multilateral gathering to boost solidarity and shared values among democratic countries, launched in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic by U.S. President Joe Biden. The first Summit for Democracy was held virtually and hosted by the United States. The second event was also held online and hosted jointly by the governments of South Korea, the United States, Costa Rica, the Netherlands and Zambia.

In addition, at the ministerial meeting of the Summit for Democracy, about 30 ministers and vice ministers from various countries, including the Vice President of the European Union (EU) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador, gave speeches in person or via video.

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]