Lee Hyo-jin covers the Bank of Korea, the banking industry and broader financial news. Her previous beats include foreign affairs, North Korea and general reporting on Korean society.
Yoon calls for global solidarity to defend democracy
President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken applaud during the opening ceremony of the Summit for Democracy held at a hotel in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
By Lee Hyo-jin
3rd Summit for Democracy kicks off in Seoul
President Yoon Suk Yeol highlighted Korea's evolving role as a leading democracy, Monday, emphasizing the need for global solidarity to safeguard democracy from the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI).
"Just over 70 years ago, Seoul was in ruins following the invasion by communist forces. Yet, Korea rose from this devastation, driven by a firm belief in universal values of freedom, human rights and the rule of law, and has since advanced democracy," Yoon said during a welcoming speech at the opening ceremony of the Summit for Democracy.
He also addressed the impact of AI and digital technology on democracy, sharing concerns that fake news and disinformation are threatening democratic values.
"The dual nature of digital technology brings both benefits to daily life and threats to democracy. We must share our experiences and wisdom to ensure that AI and digital technologies enhance democracy while safeguarding the safety of individuals and the society," he said.
Yoon's speech marked the beginning of the third Summit for Democracy, taking place in Seoul from Monday through Wednesday. Launched by the United States in 2021, the initiative aims to gather like-minded nations to address challenges threatening global democracy. Korea is the first foreign nation to host the event outside the U.S.
Under the theme "Democracy for future generations," the three-day event was to bring together approximately 300 participants, including delegates from the U.S., Britain, Australia, Ecuador and other nations. The participants also included civic activists and members of academia.
South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul also gave a speech during the opening ceremony.
"Peace is guaranteed when countries that value freedom and human rights come together as one. Korea's own journey is a living testament to this truth," Cho said.
He added, "Our story showcases the political, economic and cultural potential that is unleashed when embracing the ideas of freedom, human rights and the rule of law. As Korea aspires to become a global pivotal state, we are committed to standing in solidarity with the international community to safeguard and advance these values."
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, shakes hands with South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul ahead of their meeting at the foreign ministry in Seoul, Monday. Joint Press Corps
Following Cho's remarks, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken gave a keynote speech in which he hailed Korea as the "champion of democracy" and stressed the need for collective action to safeguard democracies.
"Safeguarding our democracies is a collective effort, one that depends on our governments and our people working together. All people, all nations, all sectors have contributions to make, and none of us has a monopoly on ideas," Blinken said.
The opening ceremony was followed by a ministerial conference and multi-stakeholder roundtable under the theme, "Artificial intelligence, digital technology and democracy."
Tuesday's events will feature panel discussions and workshops by civic groups and international organizations.
The leaders' session will be held virtually on Wednesday evening, with the theme "Technology, Elections, and Fake News." Yoon will chair the second session of the summit, while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Kenyan President William Ruto will chair the first and third sessions, respectively.
On the sidelines of the summit, Yoon held a meeting with Blinken, during which the American said the U.S. will always work with South Korea to firmly respond to North Korea's provocations, according to the presidential office. Ahead of the summit, Pyongyang fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea.
Yoon welcomed Blinken's trip to Seoul, saying the recent series of senior-level exchanges shows the strength of the alliance, which has evolved into a "global comprehensive strategic alliance."
Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of Korea and the U.S. held separate talks on the sidelines of the multinational gathering on Monday. During the meeting, the two sides discussed a wide range of issues, including strengthening their alliance and matters concerning the Korean Peninsula and surrounding regions.
According to the foreign ministry, Cho told Blinken that Seoul will continue its efforts for unification, advancing universal values of freedom and human rights, despite Pyongyang's recent actions defining inter-Korean relations as hostile and rejecting the concept of unification.
Moreover, both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the ultimate goal of North Korea's denuclearization and expressed concerns regarding potential unilateral actions by Pyongyang in the West Sea.