South Korea Proposes Hosting International AI Organization at UN

The South Korean government has initiated a move to lead the global artificial intelligence (AI) sector by proposing the establishment and hosting of an 'International Artificial Intelligence Organization' at the United Nations (UN). The development of AI technology significantly impacts national competitiveness and security, yet international norms and technical standards for its management are still lacking. In March, the government signed an agreement with six UN organizations in Geneva, Switzerland, to establish an 'International Artificial Intelligence Organization' led by South Korea. The Prime Minister hailed this as 'the first clue to a global consensus on a global AI hub.'

If this organization is hosted in South Korea, it is expected to attract specialized personnel for establishing relevant standards, foster various forums, and encourage corporate investment, leading to an estimated annual economic effect of approximately 100 trillion won.

Following the government's proposal, competition is intensifying among domestic local governments, including Gyeongbuk, Gyeonggi, and Jeonnam provinces, for hosting rights. The Gyeongbuk Research Institute has analyzed that Gyeongbuk Province is the optimal location due to its abundant electricity supply and research base. Gyeongbuk Province holds half of the nation's nuclear power plants, ensuring high electricity self-sufficiency. Furthermore, with the planned OpenAI data center in Pohang and the presence of excellent research talent at institutions like POSTECH, it possesses favorable conditions for operating AI data centers and demonstrating technology development.