APEC Digital and AI First Ministerial Meeting: Discussions on Innovation, Connectivity, and Safety

Minister Byeon Kyung-hoon to Preside, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Attends… Kickstarting APEC Cooperation
Ministerial Declaration Containing Vision for AI and Digital Cooperation in the Region to be Adopted,
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APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting
[Photo by Na Hwag-jin],
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, ‘ (Incheon = Yonhap News) Reporter Na Hwag-jin = Ministers in the field of digital and AI (artificial intelligence) from the Asia-Pacific region gathered in Incheon on the 4th to discuss cooperation and innovation among member countries.’,
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, ‘ On this day, the Ministry of Science and ICT hosted the first-ever APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting at Songdo Convensia in Incheon. ‘,
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, ‘ This meeting, chaired by Minister Byeon Kyung-hoon of the Ministry of Science and ICT for the first time since his inauguration, marks the first gathering of APEC member countries’ ministerial-level figures in the fields of AI and digital transformation amidst the era’s significant change, according to the Ministry.’,
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, ‘ In his opening remarks, Minister Byeon stated, “Our future will be determined by how we respond to the great wave of transformation led by digital technologies and AI,” adding, “Advanced digital technologies and AI will provide new opportunities to resolve the challenges we face.”‘,
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, ‘ He continued, “In this meeting, we will explore the policy efforts of each member economy and the directions for international cooperation, while discussing ways to expand universal and meaningful digital connectivity and establish a stable digital and AI ecosystem.” He added, “I hope this gathering will be an opportunity to design a cooperative direction covering innovation, connectivity, and ecosystems built on diversity and experience.”‘,
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, ‘ Attending the meeting were ministerial-level figures from the APEC’s 21 member economies, including Michael Kratsios, the U.S. White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director, Xiong Jijun, Vice Minister of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and Takuo Imagawa, Vice Minister of Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.’,
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, ” The meeting, held under the theme ‘Digital and AI Transformation for Everyone’s Prosperity and Sustainable Growth,’ will link up with the 2025 APEC Summit set to open in Gyeongju this October under the theme ‘Creating a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connection, Innovation, Prosperity,’ with discussions divided into three sessions: Innovation, Connection, and Safety.”,
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, ” The first session, ‘Activating ICT, Digital, and AI Innovations to Solve Challenges,’ will explore ways to boost economic productivity and efficiency and address societal issues through emerging digital technologies like AI. Member countries will share AI and digital policy and innovation examples and emphasize the need for international cooperation.”,
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, ” During the ‘Enhancing Universal and Meaningful Digital Connectivity’ session, discussions will focus on improving connectivity so all citizens in the region can benefit from digital transformation, while the ‘Building a Safe and Trust-Based Digital and AI Ecosystem’ session will focus on the need to counter AI-based digital threats, such as deep fakes and misinformation.”,
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APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting
[Photo by Na Hwag-jin],
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, ‘ Before the meeting concludes, a Ministerial Declaration outlining APEC’s joint vision for AI and digital cooperation in the region, based on previous working discussions and today’s debates, is expected to be adopted. ‘,
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, ‘ The Ministry of Science and ICT stated that the declaration holds significant meaning as it represents a consensus on AI policy directions among leading nations in the AI field, such as the U.S. and China, amidst intense global AI competition. It is expected to serve as a milestone for concrete AI and digital cooperation at the APEC level.’,
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, ” Meanwhile, in connection with the Ministerial Meeting, the Ministry is holding ‘Digital Week’ from the 28th of last month to the 6th of this month. “,
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, ‘ Events such as the 71st APEC Telecommunications and Information Working Group (TELWG) regular meeting and private dialogues, along with AI and digital workshops hosted by various countries including the U.S., China, and Japan, have been consecutively held. ‘,
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, ” In the ‘Workshop on Promoting Broadband Infrastructure and Services in Underserved Areas,’ ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), KT, and industry-academic-research experts discussed inclusive broadband access strategies to close the digital divide. In the ‘Workshop on Promoting AI Utilization in the APEC Region,’ private sector industries like KT, Microsoft, MediArk, Dot, and SCE Korea participated to share AI application examples and expansion strategies.”,
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, ” In the ‘Future of Spectrum Policy with AI’ workshop, discussions centered on sharing Korea’s major spectrum policies and institutional improvements, advancements in satellite communication, wireless charging, 5G, and enhancing spectrum safety, as well as exploring directions for global cooperation.”,
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, ” On the 5th, the Ministry of Science and ICT, in collaboration with the World Bank, will host the ‘Global Digital and AI Forum’ at the Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel. A corporate exhibition where major domestic and international AI and digital companies share innovative technologies and ideas will also be held.”,
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