열린장관실

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Good evening! And a warm welcome to each and every one of you.

I am delighted to host a dinner in honor of so many champions of democracy from around the world. 

My sincere gratitude goes out to all our distinguished speakers for their passionate and insightful contributions earlier today. 

As all of you know, the year 2024 has widely been referred to as the Year of Democracy. 

With some 80 national elections across the world to be held throughout the year, the Third Summit for Democracy could not have come at a better time. 

The topics we are delving into during this Summit do not exist in the realm of the abstract -- especially for more than 4 billion people that will be affected by those elections this year.

Indeed, the challenges and complexities that digital technologies present to democracy and electoral integrity are real and present.

Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, are poised to revolutionize human life in ways we are only beginning to comprehend.

Digital technologies are already connecting billions of people across the globe. 

Knowledge accumulated over centuries is now at our fingertips. 

And social media platforms enable artists, such as BTS, to dominate the music world by connecting fans from all corners of the world. 

Nevertheless, this rapid technological evolution poses formidable challenges that demand strategic responses.

In our discussions today, we grappled with the perils of widespread surveillance and the disruptive potential of deepfakes. 

AI-driven social media platforms have become conduits for hate speech, misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy theories. 

This is threatening to tear away at the fabric of social trust and undermine the foundations of democratic societies. 

Nefarious actors are heisting blockchain-driven cryptocurrencies to finance illicit weapons programs that threaten peace and stability, not least here on the Korean Peninsula. 

To secure a promising future for democracies and for generations to come, we must harness the positive potential of these technologies while effectively mitigating the risks. 

At the same time, spreading out emerging technologies within and across borders is equally urgent.  

Technology must empower and unite, rather than divide and marginalize.

To this end, Korea has been advocating for a new digital order that upholds freedom, ensures fair and equitable access, and promotes a safe and trustworthy digital environment.  

We are also working together with likeminded partners to make sure that the rules of the road relating to artificial intelligence safeguard and uphold human rights and international humanitarian law. 

Concerted efforts to tackle challenges relating to crypto-currency heists, among others, are also moving forward. 

Korea will leverage its growing ODA to help narrow the digital divide and promote democratic governance through transparency and e-government in developing countries. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Reflecting on Korea's journey, a foreign journalist in the 1950s skeptically remarked that expecting democracy to flourish in Korea was as improbable as a rose blooming in a trash can. 

Yet, the Korean people have resoundingly proven the transformative power of democracy through a relentless pursuit of freedom and prosperity.

By empowering people to chase their dreams and aspirations, democracy has unleashed creativity and innovation throughout the Korean society.

Today, Korea is making its presence felt in technology, culture, and the arts on the world stage.

Korean businesses are leading global markets, while K-pop sensations are captivating hearts worldwide.

Yet, we remain acutely aware that democracy is a constant work in progress.  

As former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon put it, democratization is a marathon, not a sprint. It is a continuous struggle that demands the commitment of individuals, communities, and entire nations.

And this crucial mission demands strengthening international cooperation based on multi-stakeholder partnerships. 

Building partnerships among governments, private sector and civil society has never been more important.

Engaging our youth -- the architects of our digital future -- is equally critical.  Their participation is essential in ensuring that technology enhances humanity without compromising our democratic values.

In fact, throughout the process of the Summit for Democracy, we witnessed inspiring examples of different partners coming together, including the Platform for the Engagement of Civil Society(PEC).

And I wish to thank once again the organizations comprising PEC -- Community of Democracies, International IDEA, Open Government Partnership and the OECD -- along with the National Endowment for Democracy, for their tireless efforts.

I am a firm believer that the world already has the necessary resources, technology and capacity to secure a peaceful and prosperous future. 

The question is how to mobilize and coordinate these resources to bring about meaningful change.

To this end, Korea is committed to continue working with PEC to champion the cause of democracy across the globe.

Ladies and gentlemen, 

I know this has been a packed day, rich with thought-provoking dialogue with more to come, so it would only be right for me to keep my remarks brief but hopefully memorable. 

So let me attempt to end on a more poetic note.

I wish to share a quote from my late father, Cho Jihoon, who is one of Korea’s most beloved poets: 

 “The song I sing on my way towards the light will be the wind that moves the dark clouds away.”

In the spirit of these words, I hope tonight’s performance inspires us to continue our democratic journey in the face of the challenges of our times. 

Thank you.  /END/