2025 International Seminar of the Oriental Social Scientific Research Study Council
27 May 2025
Keynote Speech
Distinguished colleagues, prestigious individuals,
It is a privilege to join you essentially for this crucial gathering of the Korean Social Scientific Research Study Council, and I am honoured to add to your timely representations on the future of governance in an age specified by AI improvement.
Expert system is improving not just our industries, however our societies and public organizations. It is reconfiguring just how public choices are made, exactly how services are provided, and how residents involve with their federal governments. This is a zero hour for freedoms. We are observing a substantial change: from responsive administrations to awaiting administration; from top-down structures to vibrant, data-informed ecosystems.
AI allows federal governments to deliver services much more efficiently through automation, predictive analytics, and personalised engagement. In areas like healthcare, public transportation, and social welfare, public organizations are currently taking advantage of AI-enabled tools to anticipate requirements, lower expenses, and enhance results. Here in Japan, where our UNU headquarters are based, artificial intelligence is currently being used to evaluate countless government tasks, improving functional effectiveness and service shipment. [1]
This is greater than just a technological shift. It has extensive political and moral ramifications, elevating urgent questions concerning equity, openness, and accountability. While AI holds incredible guarantee, we must not forget the dangers. Algorithmic predisposition can reinforce discrimination. Surveillance innovations might endanger civil liberties. And a lack of oversight can result in the erosion of public trust. As we digitise the state, we need to not digitise injustice.
In action, the United Nations has increased initiatives to build an international administration style for AI. The High-Level Advisory Body on AI, developed by the Secretary-General, is working to resolve the international governance deficit and advertise principles that centre human rights, inclusivity, and sustainability. The Global Digital Compact, recommended via the Pact for the Future, lays the foundation for a comprehensive digital order– one that reflects shared values and international teamwork.
At the United Nations College, we sustain this transformation via extensive, policy-relevant research study. With 13 institutes in 12 countries, UNU is checking out exactly how AI can progress lasting development while making certain no person is left behind. From electronic incorporation and calamity durability to honest AI implementation in environmental governance and public health, our work looks for to ensure that AI offers the worldwide great.
However, the administration of artificial intelligence can not rest on the shoulders of international organisations alone. Structure ethical and comprehensive AI systems requires deeper cooperation throughout all fields, uniting academic community, governments, the economic sector, and civil culture. It is only with interdisciplinary collaboration, worldwide collaborations, and continual dialogue that we can establish governance structures that are not only efficient, yet genuine and future-proof.
Seminars similar to this one play a crucial function because endeavour, aiding us to build bridges across borders and promote the count on and teamwork that honest AI governance needs. In words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, “AI is not stalling– neither can we. Let us move for an AI that is shaped by all of mankind, for all of mankind.”
Let us bear in mind: modern technology shapes power, but administration forms justice. Our task is not merely to control AI, yet to reimagine administration itself. In doing so, we can develop public institutions that are a lot more dexterous, comprehensive, and resistant. I hope that this seminar will certainly cultivate purposeful dialogue and new partnerships in that endeavour.
Thank you.
[1] https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Artificial-intelligence/Japan-turns-to-AI-for-help-in-analyzing- 5 – 000 -government-projects