The Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit 2024 Opening Session

The REAIM Summit 2024, co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the Republic of Korea, kicked off with the opening session on September 9.

* The attendees included the Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul, Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun of the Republic of Korea, heads of delegation of co-hosts-the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya, the United Kingdom-and distinguished guests from more than 90 countries.

* Heads of delegation of co-hosts: the Netherlands-Mr. Ruben Brekelmans, Minister of Defense; Singapore-Dr. Ng Eng Hen, Minister of Defense; Kenya-Ms. Roselinda Soipan Tuya, Minister of Defense; and the United Kingdom-Mr. Paul Lincoln, Second Permanent Secretary of Defense

Foreign Minister Cho and Defense Minister Kim delivered opening remarks and welcoming remarks respectively at the opening session, followed by congratulatory remarks delivered by Defense Minister Mr. Ruben Brekelmans of the Netherlands on behalf of the co-hosts.

In his opening remarks, Foreign Minister Cho assessed that application of AI in the military domain brings with it not only innovation but also challenges, and underscored the importance of norm setting and governance for responsible AI to ensure international peace and security and to preserve human dignity. Minister Cho also explained that the Korean Government is hosting the REAIM Summit 2024 in order to promote a balanced understanding of AI's impact on international peace and security; to discuss implementation of responsible applications of AI in the military domain; and to envision future governance of AI in the military domain with multiple stakeholders.

Defense Minister Kim, in his welcoming remarks, assessed that the application of AI in the military domain is a double-edged sword that can enhance military capability and whose abuse and misuse can also lead to unintended consequences. He additionally emphasized that it is imperative to promote balanced understanding of the responsible use of AI and international cooperation.

Defense Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. Ruben Brekelmans, assessed that the REAIM Summit has established itself as a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue on norms for ensuring responsible applications of AI. He also conveyed his expectations that the REAIM Summit 2024 will take the discourse on norms and governance for responsible use of AI to the next level.

The REAIM Summit 2024, which is held from 9 to 10 September, is the most comprehensive and inclusive platform for AI in the military domain with various stakeholders including a government, industry, academia, international organizations and the youth. More than 2,000 people, including government delegations from more than 90 countries, have registered for the Summit. Today's opening session will be followed by REAIM Plenary, Ministerial Segment and side events and participants will discuss relevant principles and governance for responsible application of AI in the military domain.