[GAFH 2026] Global AI Declaration Adopted, Calling for Trustworthy AI as a Tool for Peace and Shared Prosperity

[Cheonji Ilbo=Reporter Park Jun-seong] Participants pose for a commemorative photo after signing the Joint Declaration of the Global AI Forum for Human Co-Prosperity 2026 during the Global AI Forum for Human Co-Prosperity 2026 (GAFH 2026) at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul on June 12, 2026. c Cheonji Ilbo 2026.06.12. [Cheonji Ilbo=Reporter Yang Hyo-sun] SEOUL, June 12 — Participants at the Global AI Forum for Human Co-Prosperity 2026 (GAFH 2026) adopted a landmark joint declaration Thursday, outlining principles for responsible artificial intelligence development and international cooperation under the vision of “Human Co-Prosperity.” The declaration was announced during GAFH 2026, organized by Cheonji Ilbo at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in central Seoul to mark the newspaper's 17th anniversary. More than 300 experts from politics, society, media, academia, and industry — including international representatives from AI governance bodies, academia, and the technology sector — attended the forum. Building on the spirit of “Human Co-Prosperity” first articulated in the 2025 Declaration of the Spirit of the AI Transformation Era, the document seeks to expand the concept to the international level and establish common principles for AI governance in an era of rapid technological transformation. Lee Sang-myeon, chief executive of Cheonji Ilbo and organizing committee chair of the forum, set the tone in his opening remarks. “What matters most in the age of AI is not the technology itself, but the values it is made to serve,” he said. Participants recognized that the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is exerting a profound influence on the future of humanity and the international order. The declaration states that AI is a powerful tool capable of addressing humanity’s shared challenges, including the climate crisis, pandemics, educational inequality, poverty and conflict. At the same time, it warns that without proper control and accountability, AI also poses risks that may threaten human dignity, freedom, democracy and international peace. The six-point declaration identifies Human Co-Prosperity as the guiding principle of the AI era. The document also emphasizes a human-centered approach to AI development and deployment. “AI must respect human dignity and fundamental rights and be developed and utilized under meaningful human oversight,” it says. “The values of freedom, peace, equality, and respect for life must be embedded throughout the entire AI lifecycle.” On international security, participants declared unequivocally that AI must serve as a tool for peace and cooperation — never for conflict or weaponization — and must never be used in ways that undermine international peace and security. The signatories also called for concerted efforts to minimize inequality and discrimination arising from AI while strengthening international safety standards, transparency and accountability frameworks for high-risk AI systems. Addressing the need for international cooperation, the declaration stresses that the transnational impact of AI requires a broad and inclusive governance framework. “To address the transnational impact of AI, we affirm that inclusive and responsible global governance is essential, involving international organizations, governments, businesses, academia, and civil society,” it states. “The safety and accountability of AI are shared responsibilities of all humankind.” The declaration further calls for the active use of AI in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), responding to climate change, preventing pandemics, advancing education, eradicating poverty and building peace. Participants reaffirmed that “AI is not a force to replace humanity, but a collaborative partner that expands human capability and responsibility.” They also declared that the agreement reached at GAFH 2026 “will become an important milestone in the development of international AI governance,” pledging to continue their shared responsibility and solidarity for the future of human co-prosperity. During the forum’s final session, Song Tae-bok, executive director and editor-in-chief of Cheonji Ilbo and secretary-general of the forum, formally read the declaration. Participants then took part in a signing ceremony and commemorative group photo before concluding the event. Attendees pledged to continue international cooperation and collective responsibility in pursuit of a future of human co-prosperity, organizers said. The Joint Declaration of the Global AI Forum for Human Co-Prosperity 2026 is presented during the Global AI Forum for Human Co-Prosperity 2026 (GAFH 2026) at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul on June 12, 2026. c Cheonji Ilbo 2026.06.12. Full Text of the Joint Declaration of the Global AI Forum for Human Co-Prosperity (GAFH) 2026 Joint Declaration Global AI Forum for Human Co-Prosperity (GAFH) 2026 We, the participants of the Global AI Forum for Human Co-Prosperity (GAFH 2026), hereby expand the spirit of “Human Co-Prosperity” proclaimed in the 2025 Declaration of the Spirit of the AI Transformation Era to the international level, recognizing that the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is exerting a profound influence on the future of humanity and the international order. AI is a powerful tool capable of addressing humanity’s shared challenges, including the climate crisis, pandemics, educational inequality, poverty, and conflict. However, without proper control and accountability, it also poses risks that may threaten human dignity, freedom, democracy, and international peace. Therefore, we declare the following: Article 1. Spirit of the Era – Human Co-Prosperity The global direction of the AI era must be founded not on the interests of specific groups, but on the shared prosperity of all humankind. Technological advancement should proceed according to the principles of cooperation and responsibility, rather than competition and domination. Article 2. Human-Centered Values and Universal Principles AI must respect human dignity and fundamental rights and be developed and utilized under meaningful human oversight. The values of freedom, peace, equality, and respect for life must be embedded throughout the entire AI lifecycle. Article 3. Peace and International Security AI must serve as a tool for peace and cooperation, not for conflict or weaponization, and must never be used in ways that undermine international peace and security. Article 4. Fairness and Accountability We shall minimize inequality and discrimination arising from AI and strengthen international safety standards, transparency, and accountability frameworks for high-risk AI systems. Article 5. Global Governance To address the transnational impact of AI, we affirm that inclusive and responsible global governance is essential, involving international organizations, governments, businesses, academia, and civil society. The safety and accountability of AI are shared responsibilities of all humankind. Article 6. Contribution to Sustainable Development We will actively utilize AI to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), respond to climate change, prevent pandemics, advance education, eradicate poverty, and build peace. We reaffirm that AI is not a force to replace humanity, but a collaborative partner that expands human capability and responsibility. We declare that this agreement of the Global AI Forum for Human Co-Prosperity 2026 will become an important milestone in the development of international AI governance, and we pledge to continue our shared responsibility and solidarity for the future of human co-prosperity. June 12, 2026 Participants of the Global AI Forum for Human Co-Prosperity (GAFH 2026)