Source: Government of the Republic of Korea
2025 Johannesburg G20 Leaders’ Summit Session 3:
A Fair and a Just Future for All
Critical Minerals, Decent Work, Artificial Intelligence
Thank you, Chair.
The advancement of technology is both a remarkable opportunity and significant challenge for humanity.
To shape a future of fairness for all, I would like to underscore three points.
First, the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) must provide fair opportunities for all nations and all peoples.
In this regard, we welcome the G20’s announcement of the AI for Africa initiative.
The Republic of Korea will work closely with the international community to help realize a Global AI Universal Basic Society where the benefits of AI are shared fairly by all humankind.
In particular, as this year’s Chair economy of APEC, we will keep working to ensure that the APEC AI Initiative, which reflects this very spirit, can extend its impact beyond the Asia-Pacific and resonate across the world.
Second, we must establish a stable and mutually beneficial supply chain for critical minerals, where mineral-rich and mineral-importing countries share the benefits.
In this regard, we attach great significance to the discussions held this year within the G20 on the ‘G20 Critical Minerals Framework’, which reflects this very objective.
As the chair of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), the Republic of Korea has been actively expanding cooperative projects that serve the needs of both mineral-rich and mineral-importing countries.
Through the Korea-Africa Critical Minerals Dialogue, we are also working to strengthen cooperation grounded in mutual trust.
The Republic of Korea will continue to support international efforts to build mutually beneficial and resilient supply chains.
Third, the AI innovation and the strengthening of resilience in critical minerals supply chains must translate into inclusive opportunities for all.
For this reason, we welcome the G20’s adoption of the Nelson Mandela Bay Target, and the Brisbane-eThekwini Target.
The Republic of Korea is establishing AI Digital Learning Centers to ensure access to AI for groups that are vulnerable to being left behind, and we are expanding AI and software education tailored specifically for young generation.
Just as we have supported mathematics and science education for female youth in Ghana and Tanzania, and established a specialized software high school in Rwanda, the Republic of Korea will continue to actively support efforts to strengthen the digital capabilities of women and youth across Africa.
Colleagues,
As a country that helped build the G20 and has seen it serve as a compass for the international community in times of crisis, the Republic of Korea seeks to once again assume the Presidency in 2028, marking the twentieth anniversary of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
With a profound sense of responsibility, we will do our utmost to ensure that the G20 further consolidates its role as the premier forum for international economic cooperation.
In closing, I wish to convey my deepest respect and appreciation to President Ramaphosa for the exemplary leadership he has demonstrated as this year’s Chair.
Thank you. /END/