Lee calls for stronger energy security, global AI ecosystem at G7 expanded session

CALGARY, Canada — President Lee Jae Myung underscored the critical importance of energy security and the stabilization of key mineral supply chains during an expanded session of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, Tuesday (local time). The expanded session was attended by G7 member states as well as invited partner nations.

The president’s remarks reflect Korea’s broader ambition to take an active role in addressing global energy and digital challenges, particularly as geopolitical instability continues to threaten supply chains for critical minerals and fuel sources.

Speaking twice during the session, Lee laid out his vision for building a reliable, economical and sustainable energy system under the theme “the future of energy security,” as he pledged Korea’s strong commitment to contributing to the development of a stable global artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem.

“We are working to build a more stable energy system through diversification,” Lee said, highlighting that this strategy includes increasing the share of domestically sourced renewable energy and cultivating a strong industrial ecosystem to support it.

He introduced the concept of an “energy highway,” which refers to infrastructure that can efficiently connect renewable energy production sites with consumption centers using high-voltage direct current transmission lines.

Lee also emphasized the importance of investing in technologies such as energy storage systems and AI-powered smart grids to create energy networks resilient to cyber threats.

“By promoting innovation in green energy infrastructure and AI governance, Lee positioned Korea as a proactive partner in the G7-led effort to shape a more secure and sustainable global future,” the presidential office said.

In addition, Lee emphasized the importance of stabilizing critical mineral supply chains in relation to energy security and global economic growth. Reaffirming Korea’s commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation with countries rich in critical minerals, he also highlighted Korea’s contributions to enhancing supply chain stability through its role as the chair of the Minerals Security Partnership since July of last year.

The president also called for a resilient global AI ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of expanding private sector participation in AI innovation and ensuring that the benefits of AI are equitably shared across the international community.

Lee noted that Korea, as a global semiconductor hub, is uniquely positioned to support international collaboration for the stability of AI-related semiconductor supply chains.

He also outlined his administration’s efforts to accelerate AI transformation — referred to as “AX” — through bold tax incentives, regulatory innovation and the creation of public investment funds. He further noted that Korea, as the chair of APEC this year, will present a regional AI vision aimed at fostering inclusive digital growth in the Asia-Pacific.

Prior to the expanded session, Lee held a brief meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Lee expressed his appreciation for Guterres’ U.N. leadership and emphasized the importance of international solidarity in an era of complex and overlapping crises. He reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to supporting the U.N.’s efforts to promote global peace and prosperity.

In response, Guterres commended Korea’s contributions to key global issues, including peace and security, human rights, sustainable development and climate change. He encouraged Korea to continue playing a vital role in addressing the shared challenges facing the international community through multilateral cooperation, the presidential office said.

Lee also held a bilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.

He highlighted the significance of this year marking the 15th anniversary of the Korea-EU strategic partnership.

“Let us further deepen our cooperation across a range of areas, including the economy and security,” Lee said.

The EU leaders reaffirmed the importance of Korea as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific and conveyed their commitment to continued engagement through various future channels.

The three leaders acknowledged the growth in bilateral trade and investment based on the Korea-EU free trade agreement. They agreed to further expand both the scope and depth of cooperation through initiatives such as the Digital Trade Agreement and the Korea-EU Green Partnership, enhancing collaboration in the digital and environmental sectors.

The summit also included exchanges on regional issues including the Korean Peninsula and the war in Ukraine. Although the EU is not a formal member of the G7, it has participated in every summit since 1981.

Wi Sung-lac, national security adviser, described Lee’s participation in the G7 Summit and his series of bilateral meetings as the administration’s first step toward a pragmatic diplomacy rooted in national interest.

He noted that every bilateral meeting focused on advancing practical cooperation in key economic areas such as trade, supply chains and energy is expected to benefit Korean industries and businesses directly.

“The president’s active diplomacy reflects Korea’s strategic response to evolving global security challenges,” Wi said during a press briefing. “During the summit, the president not only proposed a shared vision for a stable energy system and AI collaboration but also highlighted Korea’s strengths and leadership in these areas. With the G7 as a starting point, the Lee administration plans to elevate summit diplomacy to a higher level, engaging more actively and strategically on the global stage.”

During Lee’s participation in the G7 Summit, first lady Kim Hea Kyung carried out a separate schedule focused on community outreach and building an inclusive culture.

Kim visited the Calgary Korean Association, sharing words of encouragement with members of the Korean community in the country.

She also toured the National accessArts Centre, a leading Canadian institution that supports artists with disabilities.

There, she was briefed on the center’s operations and its efforts to promote inclusive cultural and artistic activities. Kim shared her hopes that the newly inaugurated Korean administration will also prioritize policies supporting disabled artists.