While it has not drawn widespread public attention, a recent development has quietly signaled South Korea’s growing leadership on the global stage. Last month, the Korean government signed letters of intent (LOIs) with six major United Nations agencies—including the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), World Health Organization (WHO), World Food Programme (WFP), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)—to establish a Global AI Hub.

At the center of this initiative is Rep. Cha Ji-ho, a lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea, whose background in international organizations and artificial intelligence played a key role in shaping the concept. In an interview, he outlined the vision, structure, and global significance of the proposed hub.

A “UN Campus” for AI in Korea

According to Rep. Cha, the plan is to establish multiple AI-related headquarters of UN agencies in Korea, forming a unified “UN campus.” He compared the idea to relocating the AI departments of top universities such as Harvard, Oxford, and MIT into a single location.

“This is not symbolic,” he said. “We are talking about a physical space where people work, collaborate, and build systems together.” Discussions are currently underway regarding staffing 규모, participation of Korean personnel, and long-term hiring plans.

The Korean government is also preparing to reflect necessary funding in next year’s national budget. Rep. Cha noted that the campus could ultimately reach a scale comparable to the National Assembly complex.

Why the UN Is Turning to Korea

Rep. Cha explained that the changing global order has created new opportunities. Traditionally, UN functions have been centered in New York and Geneva. However, shifting geopolitical dynamics and financial pressures on the UN system have created space for new partnerships.

“Korea is uniquely positioned as a bridge country,” he said. “It combines democratic values, economic capacity, and cultural influence.” He added that Korea persuaded UN agencies by presenting a vision centered on “AI Basic Society” and “Public AI.”

Unlike major powers, Korea is seen as a reliable partner capable of supporting multilateral cooperation while offering practical solutions for global challenges.

What Is “Public AI”?

Rep. Cha defined Public AI as artificial intelligence functioning as public infrastructure—ensuring equal access and improving quality of life. This goes far beyond providing free AI tools.

“The AI transition will happen within 15 years, much faster than the industrial revolution,” he explained. “Without a resilient social system, the speed of change could cause significant disruption.”

His concept of an AI Basic Society includes integrating AI into healthcare, education, welfare, finance, and disaster response systems to ensure universal access and protection. For example, AI-assisted healthcare could enable primary doctors in remote areas to provide near-specialist-level diagnosis and treatment.

Global Governance in the AI Era

The UN AI Hub is also designed to support global governance in the AI era. Rep. Cha emphasized that international organizations must adapt to AI-driven transformations across their respective fields.

For instance, the WHO will need to redefine global healthcare standards in the context of AI-based systems, while the ILO must address policy responses to potential mass unemployment caused by automation.

“Public AI could function like millions of ‘AI Schweitzers,’ providing healthcare access on a global scale,” he said, referring to the humanitarian legacy of Albert Schweitzer.

A Strategic Opportunity for Korea

Beyond its social value, the initiative also holds major economic potential. Rep. Cha argued that Korea must compete in AI and form a “third AI bloc” alongside the United States and China.

By collaborating with developing countries, Korea could help build AI-based social service systems in healthcare, education, and welfare—potentially reaching a global user base of up to one billion people.

The initiative could also boost Korea’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) industry. With UN agencies hosting regular international events, Korea could effectively become a year-round global conference hub.

“Korea has long aspired to be a pivotal global nation. Now, it is time for Korea not just to follow global rules, but to help create them,” Rep. Cha said.

He concluded that the UN AI Hub represents a rare opportunity for South Korea to take a leading role in shaping global agendas—bridging technology, governance, and international cooperation in the AI era.