Global Summit in Seoul Aims to

Shape Military AI Ethics

 

 

South Korea hosted a global summit with 90 countries to establish ethical guidelines for AI in military operations. Learn how nations aim to ensure responsible use.

 

 

90 Nations Gather to Debate AI’s Role in Warfare

In a landmark move, South Korea has hosted an international summit to outline the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in military operations. The event, held in Seoul, brought together representatives from over 90 countries, including major powers like the United States and China.

Although the summit aimed to develop foundational guidelines for military AI, it is unlikely that the final blueprint will carry legal force. Still, it marks a significant step toward building international consensus on ethical AI deployment in warfare.

A Continuation of Global AI Dialogue

 

This two-day event is the second of its kind, following a similar summit held in Amsterdam last year. While countries like China and the U.S. supported a “call to action” during the first round, that agreement lacked legal weight. The Seoul summit sought to go further by laying down a more detailed framework.

South Korea’s Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun highlighted AI’s growing influence in warfare. Referring to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, he cited how AI-powered Ukrainian drones have acted as strategic tools, likening them to “David’s slingshot.”

Ethical Dilemmas and Technological Advances

Kim stressed that while AI boosts military capabilities, it also poses significant risks if misused. “AI in the field is like a double-edged sword,” he warned, underlining the need for strong oversight mechanisms.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul echoed these concerns. He emphasised the importance of preventing AI from making autonomous life-or-death decisions without human intervention. Key discussions at the summit focused on ensuring compliance with international law and building frameworks to prevent misuse.

Towards a Global Blueprint for Responsible AI

A senior South Korean official stated that the main objective of the summit was to produce a blueprint that would guide military AI development responsibly. This blueprint would incorporate principles adopted by NATO, the United States, and other influential stakeholders.

While the document is expected to receive backing from a select group of nations, it is not expected to impose any binding obligations. Instead, it will serve as a voluntary framework, promoting best practices for ethical AI deployment.

Broader International Efforts Underway

The Seoul summit is not the only global initiative addressing AI in warfare. Countries under the 1983 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) continue to explore regulations for lethal autonomous weapons. These discussions are focused on aligning AI use with international humanitarian law.

In 2023, the U.S. also introduced a declaration on the responsible military use of AI. This framework goes beyond weaponry and covers broader military applications. As of August, 55 countries had signed on to the declaration.

Multilateral Participation Across Sectors

Co-hosted by the Netherlands, Kenya, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, the Seoul summit reflects a multi-stakeholder approach. Although technological breakthroughs often come from the private sector, governments remain the primary regulators.

The summit saw participation from over 2,000 attendees worldwide, including academia, international organisations, and commercial firms. Key sessions covered AI’s role in nuclear weapon management, civilian protection, and the broader impact of automation in conflict zones.

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