[GAFH 2026] Joo Young-seop: “The Condition for a Developed Nation in the AI ​​Era Is Not Technology, but 'Common Prosperity of Humanity'”

[Cheonji Ilbo = Reporter Park Jun-seong] The 'Global AI Forum for Human Prosperity 2026' is being held at the International Conference Hall of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 12th. Joo Young-seop, a distinguished professor at the Graduate School of Engineering, Seoul National University and a panelist for the first session, is giving a presentation on the topic of 'Global AI Governance: Building a Foundation for Cooperation for Human Prosperity.' cCheonji Ilbo 2026.06.12. [Cheonji Ilbo = Reporter Hong Bo-young] Joo Young-seop, a distinguished professor at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Engineering, emphasized that for Korea to become an advanced nation in the era of the great AI transformation, it “must dominate and lead the goal of the common prosperity of humanity.” Professor Joo stated this at the 'Global Humanity AI Forum 2026 (GAFH 2026)' held at the International Conference Hall of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 12th, noting that "a leader nation is needed" when the entire world, including the United States and China, feels anxious about the future. Professor Joo diagnosed that humanity is currently facing a civilizational crisis characterized by the climate crisis and the New Cold War era, as well as three major transformations: the AI ​​transformation, the digital transformation, and the green transformation. He explained that the zeitgeist and most fundamental objective of this era of great transformation is the securing of human co-prosperity, happiness, and sustainability. He argued that Korea, which previously focused on a strategy of catching up with developed nations, must now transition into a leading nation that presents new directions and values. In particular, he defined AI technology not as an end in itself, but merely as a means to solve humanity's challenges and ensure sustainability. The analysis suggests that since humanity's current capabilities are woefully insufficient to overcome multifaceted crises such as environmental, food, health, and safety issues, we must expand and enhance our intellectual and physical capabilities through AI. Professor Joo explained, "Human sustainability is becoming the goal, and AI technology is becoming the means to achieve it," adding, "Achieving the common prosperity and happiness of humanity is a goal in itself, and AI is emerging as the most powerful tool to achieve that goal." Professor Joo stated that the U.S. and China are mired in a technology-driven hegemonic war and failing to present a future direction, adding, “Technology flocks to the person who raises the flag of this slogan. If we effectively control and lead the objective, the technology of like-minded people from all over the world is bound to gather here.” As a historical example, the speaker cited the time when scientists participating in the U.S. 'Manhattan Project' felt skeptical about the indiscriminate use of technology following the dropping of the atomic bomb. It explained that at the time, U.S. President John F. Kennedy was able to re-mobilize the capabilities of scientists worldwide by proposing 'Moonshot Projects' that embodied the common goal of humanity: space exploration. The suggestion is that South Korea, too, must shift its paradigm toward such a purpose-oriented strategy amidst challenges such as AI technology monopolies and ethical threats. The 'UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)' and 'ESG management' were presented as specific methodologies for establishing a global AI governance framework. Professor Joo stated, "The reason I presented the UN SDGs and ESG management is that these two can serve as effective tools for building governance in the AI ​​era." He assessed that the 17 goals set by the UN, such as eradicating poverty and ending hunger, align with the values ​​pursued by human society, and that AI is a powerful tool for achieving these goals. The perspective is that if Korea proactively proposes 'Post-SDG' guidelines for the period beyond 2030 within the UN system, which has become largely ineffective due to the US-China conflict, it can form substantive global governance. Furthermore, he explained that ESG management, which stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, is not merely an obligation or regulation, but a fundamental trend in management that earns trust through social values. Professor Joo emphasized, “ESG management is the foundation of management that wins the hearts of customers,” adding, “If South Korea presents this new future direction and leads with a single objective, it is the path to becoming an AI powerhouse and an advanced nation.” During the Q&A session regarding issues of AI reliability and global standards, he stated, “Regardless of whether trust collapses or not, the great transformation into AI must proceed,” adding, “We must develop further while addressing the problems.” He went on to emphasize that while it is difficult for Korea to lead in AI technology itself, it can become the nation that creates the most success stories of realizing humanity's goals by best utilizing AI, and that to achieve this, it is necessary to establish testbeds and platforms where global talent and technology converge.