Lee states South Korea leads a national AI transformation, investing in data centers, easing regulations, and urging united APEC demographic efforts
Seoul
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called on Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies to view the rapid changes brought by artificial intelligence (AI) as opportunities for inclusive global growth rather than as challenges.
Speaking at the APEC summit’s Retreat Session in the southeastern city of Gyeongju, President Lee introduced South Korea’s initiative titled “AI-Based Society for All,” which promotes equal access to the benefits of AI and technological progress. “We should turn the great transformation brought by AI into an opportunity,” he said, reaffirming his vision of a global AI society focused on fairness and innovation.
Lee explained that South Korea is leading an “AI transformation” at the national level, investing in large-scale data centers, and easing regulations to encourage innovation by global companies. He also called for united APEC efforts to tackle demographic challenges such as low birth rates and aging populations.
“Demographic changes pose serious challenges that affect every part of society—from growth and labor to education and welfare—and cannot be solved through isolated measures,” Lee said. He urged APEC members to form a joint framework to address these issues collectively.
Highlighting new areas for cooperation, Lee said South Korea is focusing on cultural and creative industries as future growth drivers in the AI era.
During the session, APEC leaders were expected to adopt the “Gyeongju Declaration,” summarizing discussions on AI and demographic changes. Lee will hand over the APEC chairmanship to Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose nation will host next year’s summit.
