1. The Republic of Korea, together with Spain and the Netherlands, is hosting the Asia-Pacific Regional Consultation of the REAIM (Responsible AI in the Military domain) Summit in Seoul from May 20 (Tue.) to 21 (Wed.).

2. The REAIM Summit is an international forum launched to enhance global understanding of the responsible development, deployment and use of AI in the military domain and to contribute to the establishment of relevant international norms. The ROK has taken a leading role in REAIM discussions, including by co-hosting the first REAIM Summit in The Hague with the Netherlands in 2023 and the second Summit in Seoul last September along with the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya and the United Kingdom.

※ Overview of second REAIM Summit

- Date and Place: September 10 (Mon.) – 11 (Tue.), 2024, Seoul

- Participants: Approximately 2,000 attendees including government delegations from over 90 countries, representatives from industries, academia, civil society and youth

- Main Events: REAIM Plenary, Ministerial Segment and side events (AI exhibition and youth engagement programs)

- Key Achievement: Adoption of outcome document titled “Blueprint for Action”

3. This regional consultation was held to share updated national policies and developments related to AI in the military domain following the second REAIM Summit and to promote comprehensive discussions and understanding regarding the issue in the Asia-Pacific region ahead of the third REAIM Summit scheduled to take place on September 11–12 this year in A Coruña, Spain. The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) co-organized the event. With Korea, Spain and the Netherlands as co-hosts, the event brought together around 40 government officials from foreign and defense ministries of 12 countries, as well as experts from industries and think tanks.

4. In his opening remarks, Vice Minister for Strategy and Intelligence Cho Koo-rae emphasized that the application of AI in the military domain presents both risks and benefits and that, depending on how it is utilized, it can either cause instability or drive innovation. He added that the international community should accordingly form relevant norms from a comprehensive and balanced perspective. He also stressed that collective efforts such as identifying key principles and promoting multi-stakeholder engagement are required to ensure responsible use of AI in the military domain.

5. Building on the global leadership it demonstrated by hosting the second REAIM Summit and by leading the adoption of the first UN resolution on AI in the military domain last year, the ROK will continue to spearhead the international society's efforts to establish norms in the field of AI in the military domain.