South Korea convened a two-day international summit in Seoul on Monday, bringing together over 90 countries to discuss the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military. The summit aims to establish a blueprint for the safe and ethical application of AI in military operations, but any agreement reached is not expected to have binding powers.
The summit follows a similar gathering in The Hague last year, where nations endorsed a non-binding “call to action” on AI use in the military. This year’s summit seeks to build on that foundation, exploring areas such as legal reviews, human oversight, and compliance with international law.
South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun emphasized the dual nature of AI in the military, noting its potential to dramatically improve operational capabilities while also posing risks of abuse. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul outlined the summit’s goals, including establishing a minimum level of guidelines for AI use and suggesting principles for responsible application.
The Seoul summit is part of a broader international effort to address the implications of AI in the military. The United Nations is discussing potential restrictions on lethal autonomous weapons systems, while the US government has launched a declaration on responsible AI use, endorsed by 55 countries.
The summit has drawn a diverse range of participants, including government representatives, international organizations, academia, and the private sector. Discussions will cover topics such as civilian protection, AI use in nuclear weapons control, and the role of human oversight in autonomous systems.
While the summit’s outcome is uncertain, it represents a crucial step in addressing the rapidly evolving field of military AI. As technological developments continue to advance, governments and international organizations must work together to ensure that AI is used responsibly and in compliance with international law.
