Welcome Remarks by H.E. Cho Tae-yul

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea

High-level Luncheon, REAIM Summit 2024

September 10, 2024, Seoul

Good afternoon everyone.

It's great to see you all again.

I would first like to acknowledge the co-hosts of this Summit: H.E. Ruben Brekelmans, Minister of Defence of the Netherlands; Dr. Ng Eng Hen Minister for Defence of Singapore; Honorable Roselinda Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary for Defence of Kenya; and Lord Vernon Coaker, Minister of State for Defence of the United Kingdom.

I’d also like to thank H.E. 윤병세, Co-chair of the Global Commission on REAIM for his invaluable role supporting the Summit.

I'm very pleased to see how productive and fruitful our discussions have been.

As we deep dive into the issue surrounding the new technology of AI, some cautionary tales from history come to mind.

Take, for instance, the words of the banker who refused to invest in the Ford Motor Company in 1903, stating: “The horse is here to stay, but the automobile is only a novelty--a fad.”

If his words were a gross underestimation, we also have the hyperbolic words of Lord Palmerstone, British Prime Minister, who upon receiving the first diplomatic telegram in 1860 declared, “My God! This is the end of diplomacy!”

With the benefit of hindsight, we know that they both missed the mark by a mile.

For one, diplomacy is very much alive today.

Yet, these stories tell us of more than just the limit of foresight, when it comes to new technology.

They remind us of the crucial necessity of having more than one voice in the room and the importance of pooling our wisdom together in a gathering such as this.

This is why the REAIM Summit embraces the inclusive, multi-stakeholder approach, bringing together governments, academia, industry, and civil society.

There is no one that embodies this spirit of inclusivity than the commissioners and experts of the REAIM Global Commission.

This esteemed group comprises some of the brightest minds from across the globe--leaders, policymakers, and innovator--each contributing a wealth of knowledge.

Their insights will be instrumental in guiding our discussions at the tables today.

I hope this luncheon gives us a chance to deepen the friendships we have forged and serves as a bridge between the rich plenary discussions we’ve had so far and the key ministerial roundtable ahead.

Through the course of the ministerial roundtable, we will continue to share national viewpoints, discuss challenges, and explore avenues for international cooperation.

In a tribute to diversity, the meal for this lunch has been prepared in the Korean bansang style.

Bansang is a traditional Korean meal arrangement where a variety of dishes are thoughtfully prepared and served together, symbolizing harmony, balance, and the importance of every component in creating a complete dining experience.

Before I close, I would also like to call on all those who have not yet endorsed the Blueprint for Action to do so.

Remember, there is no free lunch!

So, with that, I'd like to propose a toast to the resounding success of the REAIM Summit.

To REAIM for a brighter, safer, and more responsible future.

Cheers!

/End/