South Korea's UN ambassador named co-chair of new global AI governance dialogue

The United Nations has selected Cha Ji-hoon, South Korea’s ambassador to the UN, to serve as co-chair of its AI governance initiative, working alongside Mutryce Agatha Williams, Saint Kitts and Nevis’s permanent representative. Their mandate is to steer preparations for the 2027 Global Dialogue on AI Governance, scheduled for May 3-4, which will convene state actors, private-sector leaders, civil-society groups and academic researchers.

The dialogue was created following a General Assembly resolution passed in August 2025 to provide a forum for coordinated international action on artificial intelligence. South Korea’s involvement reflects the country’s ambition to become one of the world’s three leading AI powers under one outlet Lee Jae Myung administration. The co-chairmanship positions Seoul to influence the agenda and shape future norms for AI development and oversight. The initiative underscores growing global attention to the societal and security implications of rapidly advancing AI technologies.