2025 International Meeting of the Oriental Social Science Study Council
27 May 2025
Keynote Speech
Differentiated colleagues, renowned participants,
It is a benefit to join you virtually for this vital event of the Korean Social Science Research Study Council, and I am honoured to add to your timely representations on the future of governance in an era specified by AI change.
Artificial intelligence is improving not just our sectors, but our cultures and public organizations. It is reconfiguring how public choices are made, just how services are provided, and exactly how citizens involve with their federal governments. This is a zero hour for democracies. We are observing a significant change: from reactive bureaucracies to awaiting governance; from top-down frameworks to dynamic, data-informed ecological communities.
AI makes it possible for federal governments to provide solutions extra effectively with automation, anticipating analytics, and personalised involvement. In areas like medical care, public transportation, and social welfare, public organizations are already utilizing AI-enabled devices to anticipate needs, minimize costs, and enhance outcomes. Here in Japan, where our UNU head office are based, artificial intelligence is already being made use of to analyse hundreds of government projects, enhancing functional effectiveness and service distribution. [1]
This is greater than simply a technical shift. It has extensive political and honest implications, raising immediate inquiries about equity, openness, and liability. While AI holds remarkable guarantee, we need to not forget the dangers. Mathematical prejudice can reinforce discrimination. Surveillance technologies might endanger constitutional freedoms. And a lack of oversight can result in the disintegration of public trust fund. As we digitise the state, we have to not digitise oppression.
In action, the United Nations has increased initiatives to build a worldwide governance design for AI. The High-Level Advisory Body on AI, established by the Secretary-General, is working to resolve the international administration deficit and promote principles that centre civils rights, inclusivity, and sustainability. The Global Digital Compact, backed with the Deal for the Future, lays the structure for an inclusive digital order– one that mirrors shared values and international collaboration.
At the United Nations College, we sustain this makeover through extensive, policy-relevant study. With 13 institutes in 12 nations, UNU is checking out exactly how AI can advance sustainable growth while guaranteeing no person is left behind. From electronic addition and calamity durability to honest AI implementation in ecological administration and public health and wellness, our job looks for to make sure that AI offers the worldwide excellent.
Nonetheless, the governance of artificial intelligence can not hinge on the shoulders of international organisations alone. Structure ethical and comprehensive AI systems requires deeper participation across all markets, combining academic community, federal governments, the private sector, and civil culture. It is only through interdisciplinary partnership, worldwide collaborations, and continual dialogue that we can establish administration frameworks that are not only reliable, but legit and future-proof.
Meetings similar to this one play a crucial function in that effort, helping us to develop bridges throughout borders and promote the count on and participation that honest AI administration needs. In the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, “AI is not standing still– neither can we. Let us move for an AI that is formed among mankind, for every one of humanity.”
Let us remember: innovation forms power, but governance forms justice. Our job is not merely to regulate AI, but to reimagine administration itself. In doing so, we can build public establishments that are much more dexterous, inclusive, and resilient. I wish that this conference will promote purposeful discussion and brand-new collaborations in that effort.
Thanks.
[1] https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Artificial-intelligence/Japan-turns-to-AI-for-help-in-analyzing- 5 – 000 -government-projects