S. Korea assumes UNSC Presidency, unveils signature event on AI

WASHINGTON: South Korea officially began its rotating month-long presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday, unveiling a plan for President Lee Jae Myung to preside over the country's signature event on artificial intelligence (AI) later this month, Yonhap News reported.

Kim Sang-jin, South Korea's charge d'affaires to the UN, addressed a press briefing to explain the "programme of work," which sets out UNSC plans for meetings and other engagements for September, as South Korea, a non-permanent UNSC member, holds the presidency for the first time since June last year.

Kim said that South Korea will "humbly" assume the presidency, while underscoring Seoul's commitment to leading the council with "efficiency, transparency and inclusiveness."

"(South Korea's) history embodies the three pillars of the UN - peace, development and human rights," Kim told reporters. "These values are deeply embedded in our national DNA, inspiring me and all of my colleagues in our mission to contribute more actively and responsibly to the work of this council."

Of this month's UNSC events, Kim underscored the plan for South Korea to host a high-level open debate on AI on Sept 24 under the agenda item of the maintenance of international peace and security.

He said that Lee will preside over the signature event, marking the first time that a South Korean president will lead a UNSC gathering.

Lee plans to attend the UN General Assembly and deliver a keynote speech on Sept 23, according to his office.

"This council has already held two briefings on AI since 2023," the diplomat said. "Given the rapid development and global spread of this technology, we believe that a high-level discussion is both timely and necessary to maximise (AI) benefits while minimising its risks."

While the UNSC held a meeting on North Korean human rights during Seoul's presidency in June last year, there is no council schedule announced to discuss North Korea-related issues this month.

But Kim said the council is ready to convene in the event of North Korean provocations, such as an intercontinental ballistic missile launch, as it has before.

In response to a reporter's question about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's trip to China to attend a military parade this week, the diplomat said that South Korea is watching "very closely" his movements.

The UNSC presidency rotates among the council's 15 member states on a monthly basis.

-- BERNAMA