[Video Message]
Your Excellency Mr. Sang-min Lee, Minister of the Interior and Safety of the Republic of Korea
Your Excellency Mr. BAN Ki-moon, eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations
Mr. Jeongbok Yoo, Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City
Distinguished Participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my great honour to join you in this regional symposium on effective governance.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety of the Republic of Korea, and to the Incheon Metropolitan City, for their excellent collaboration in organizing this event.
The focus of this year’s symposium on AI and innovation in public service delivery could not be more timely.
We are convening just weeks after the Summit of the Future which has set the stage for a new era of international cooperation grounded in adaptable, inclusive, transparent and forward-looking governance frameworks at all levels, capable of addressing the complex challenges of sustainable development.
The outcome of the Summit, the Pact for the Future, acknowledges the need for harnessing technology and innovation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The Global Digital Compact promotes a more inclusive and responsible digital future where technology and innovation are harnessed for the betterment of humanity. And the Declaration on Future Generations underscores the importance of long-term thinking and sustainability in shaping both policy and practice.
Artificial Intelligence will be a key technology and powerful force in delivering on these commitments.
Already, digital technologies, including AI, are being used to enhance public service delivery, improve decision-making, increase transparency and accountability and promote citizen engagement. And they are being increasingly applied in direct service to many of our SDGs including for strengthening climate action, education, food systems, and so many others.
But deep-set inequalities challenge the capacity for the adoption of digital technologies at the scale and scope needed for transformation, particularly in developing countries.
The 2024 UN E-Government Survey attests to the challenge, showing that, for least developed countries and small island developing States, averages for the E-Government Development Index fall below the global average. The growing use of AI further widens the gap.
The path forward is clear. Governance and digital transformation must co-evolve.
In keeping with the commitments of the Pact for the Future, we must at once address the digital divides, while ensuring a digital transformation that considers the long-term impacts on society and future generations.
Indeed, an essential building block for AI adoption and development in developing countries is the establishment of robust data governance and digital governance structures.
As we embrace the potential of digitalization and artificial intelligence, we must also acknowledge the challenges.
Ethical considerations, data privacy, and potential biases in AI algorithms need careful attention.
We must ensure that AI is developed and deployed responsibly, with safeguards in place to protect individual rights and promote fairness.
Affordability and accessibility are also major factors to leave no one behind in this transformation.
I am confident that this Regional Symposium will provide useful insights on the way forward.
The Asia-Pacific region, with its diverse cultures, rapid technological advancements, and commitment to sustainable development, is well positioned to lead the way in responsible AI adoption for efficient, transparent and people-centred governance.
I look forward to the outcome of your deliberations.
Thank you.