1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, in collaboration with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), hosted the 3rd Inter-Regional Conference on the Impact of Emerging Technologies on May 26 in Vienna, Austria. Held in a hybrid format, the conference brought together over 150 experts from governments, academia, and the private sector across Europe and Asia. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the impact of emerging technologies on peace and security, and explored pathways for enhancing international cooperation in this critical area. The event was convened to mark the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act and reflects Korea’s ongoing commitment to addressing transnational security challenges through multilateral dialogue and cooperation.

※ Conference Overview

- ▴(Session 1) Understanding and Addressing Security Challenges and Opportunities of Emerging Technologies ▴(Panel Discussion) Tackling Information Manipulation Using AI and the Disruption of Economic and Social Systems ▴ (Session 2) Building Resilience of Critical National Infrastructures (CNI) in the Era of Emerging Technologies

2. In a video message delivered at the opening ceremony, H.E. Cho Koo-rae, Vice Minister for Strategy and Intelligence at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that given the growing interconnectedness of security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, building trust through inter-regional cooperation is essential for effectively addressing the security risks posed by emerging technologies.

3. Mr. Cho also acknowledged the significance of the 50th anniversary of the OSCE’s founding agreement, the Helsinki Final Act, and commended the OSCE’s continued dialogue with key partners in the field of emerging technologies. He reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the OSCE in countering transnational security threats.

4. Session 1 focused on the opportunities and risks associated with the military applications of new technologies. Discussions highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability, with consensus among participants on the urgent need to establish international norms to guide the responsible use of these technologies.

5. During the panel discussion, experts examined the evolving landscape of disinformation driven by artificial intelligence. Concerns were raised about the growing sophistication of AI-generated disinformation and its potential to disrupt economies and societies. Panelists stressed the need for digital resilience and international trust-building measures.

6. In Session 2, participants explored the complex and multifaceted security threats to critical infrastructure arising from emerging technologies. Delivering a keynote address virtually, Mr. Yoon Jong-kwon, Director-General for International Security, noted the increasing frequency of both physical and cyber attacks on essential infrastructure and called for strengthened resilience and enhanced international cooperation.

7. Since 2017, the Republic of Korea and the OSCE have co-hosted regular conferences to discuss joint responses to transnational security threats. This year’s conference reaffirmed Korea’s leadership in international security cooperation and its proactive role in shaping global discussions on emerging technological risks.