2025 International Seminar of the Oriental Social Science Study Council
27 May 2025
Keynote Speech
Distinguished colleagues, renowned participants,
It is a privilege to join you practically for this important celebration of the Korean Social Science Research Study Council, and I am honoured to add to your prompt representations on the future of governance in an age specified by AI improvement.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping not only our industries, but our cultures and public organizations. It is reconfiguring exactly how public choices are made, how solutions are provided, and how citizens engage with their governments. This is a turning point for democracies. We are observing a considerable shift: from responsive administrations to anticipatory administration; from top-down frameworks to vibrant, data-informed environments.
AI enables governments to supply services much more efficiently with automation, predictive analytics, and customised involvement. In locations like medical care, public transport, and social well-being, public organizations are already utilizing AI-enabled devices to expect demands, decrease costs, and boost results. Right here in Japan, where our UNU headquarters are based, artificial intelligence is already being made use of to analyse countless federal government projects, boosting functional efficiency and solution delivery. [1]
This is greater than just a technical shift. It has profound political and honest effects, elevating immediate concerns concerning equity, openness, and responsibility. While AI holds tremendous promise, we must not forget the threats. Mathematical predisposition can enhance discrimination. Monitoring innovations might intimidate civil liberties. And a lack of oversight can cause the disintegration of public trust. As we digitise the state, we should not digitise injustice.
In action, the United Nations has actually accelerated efforts to build an international administration architecture for AI. The High-Level Advisory Body on AI, established by the Secretary-General, is working to address the global governance deficit and promote concepts that centre civils rights, inclusivity, and sustainability. The Global Digital Compact, backed through the Pact for the Future, lays the foundation for a comprehensive electronic order– one that reflects shared worths and international cooperation.
At the United Nations College, we support this makeover via rigorous, policy-relevant research. With 13 institutes in 12 nations, UNU is examining how AI can progress sustainable growth while guaranteeing no person is left. From digital incorporation and calamity strength to moral AI release in environmental administration and public health, our work looks for to make sure that AI offers the international great.
Nevertheless, the administration of expert system can not hinge on the shoulders of international organisations alone. Building ethical and comprehensive AI systems requires deeper teamwork across all fields, combining academic community, federal governments, the private sector, and civil culture. It is only via interdisciplinary collaboration, international partnerships, and continual discussion that we can create administration structures that are not only efficient, yet reputable and future-proof.
Meetings such as this one play a vital role in that endeavour, helping us to construct bridges throughout borders and promote the trust and collaboration that ethical AI governance demands. In the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, “AI is not stalling– neither can we. Let us propose an AI that is shaped by all of humankind, for every one of humankind.”
Allow us bear in mind: technology shapes power, yet governance shapes justice. Our job is not just to govern AI, however to reimagine administration itself. In doing so, we can develop public institutions that are much more nimble, comprehensive, and resistant. I hope that this meeting will promote purposeful dialogue and new collaborations in that effort.
Thanks.
[1] https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Artificial-intelligence/Japan-turns-to-AI-for-help-in-analyzing- 5 – 000 -government-projects