South Korea has officially decided to pursue the establishment of a proposed “UN AI Hub” in the country, following a policy initiative first envisioned and raised by Rep. Cha Ji-ho of the Democratic Party of Korea.

According to the government, the decision was made during the UN AI Hub Bid Support Task Force meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. The government agreed to promote the initiative at the national level and approved the launch of a dedicated bid committee led by the Prime Minister.

Rep. Cha will serve as a coordinating secretary alongside Kim Woo-chang, Presidential Secretary for National AI Policy. The proposed UN AI Hub is envisioned as a global cooperation platform where AI-related functions of UN agencies will work together with Korea’s public and private sectors to address major global challenges.

Global Coordination Efforts

As part of his role, Rep. Cha will oversee working-level coordination with UN agencies and is expected to accompany Prime Minister Kim on visits to New York and Geneva. These visits will include meetings with key international organizations such as:

• United Nations Headquarters (UN)
• UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund)
• UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
• WHO (World Health Organization)
• ILO (International Labour Organization)
• IOM (International Organization for Migration)

Part of a Broader AI Strategy

Rep. Cha has been a key figure in shaping the administration’s vision of an “AI Basic Society” and has led efforts to build AI infrastructure through global partnerships.

These efforts include a major AI-related memorandum of understanding with BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, and the attraction of a KRW 20 trillion renewable energy investment from global partners.

Vision for Global AI Leadership

“To position South Korea among the world’s top AI leaders, we have pursued a consistent strategy linking the AI Basic Society vision, global investment partnerships, and UN cooperation,” Rep. Cha said.

“Based on over 20 years of experience and networks within international organizations, I will work to ensure that the UN AI Hub enables South Korea to play a central role in global digital governance.”

The initiative reflects South Korea’s ambition to move beyond technological adoption and toward actively shaping global AI governance and international cooperation frameworks.