South Korea has convened an international summit in Seoul, bringing together representatives from over 90 countries, including the United States and China, to discuss the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military applications.
The two-day event aims to establish a framework for ethical AI deployment, focusing on compliance with international law and ensuring that autonomous weapons do not make life-or-death decisions without human oversight.
While a binding agreement is not anticipated, the summit seeks to set minimum standards and guidelines for the military use of AI. This marks the second such summit, following the inaugural meeting held in Amsterdam last year, where participating nations issued a non-binding “call to action.”
In his opening remarks, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun highlighted the role of AI in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, noting Ukraine’s use of AI-driven drones to gain a technological advantage. He emphasized that while AI can enhance military capabilities, it also poses significant risks if misused.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul indicated that discussions would include legal assessments to ensure alignment with international law and frameworks to prevent autonomous weapons from making critical decisions without human intervention. The summit aims to provide a comprehensive framework for AI governance in military contexts, drawing on principles established by NATO, the U.S., and other nations.
The event is expected to facilitate ongoing discussions among various stakeholders, including government officials, academics, and representatives from the private sector. Approximately 2,000 participants have registered for the summit, which will also address issues such as civilian safety and the application of AI in managing nuclear arsenals.
This summit is part of a broader international effort to address the implications of military AI, with discussions also taking place within the framework of the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) to consider limitations on lethal autonomous weapon systems.
As AI technology continues to evolve rapidly, the summit represents a critical opportunity for the global community to collaborate on developing norms and standards that ensure the responsible use of AI in military operations, ultimately contributing to global security and stability.
