The event brought together G20 Sherpa In-chang Song, Ambassador for International Cooperation on G20 Affairs; Director-General Jihee Kim of the International Economic Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; representatives from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; Professor Seoin Baek of Hanyang University; Associate Research Fellow Hyunyoung Oh of the Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI); and Research Fellow Won Seok Choi and Associate Research Fellow Hyunjin Lee from KIEP. The seminar facilitated discussions on Korea’s policy directions and international cooperation in key global agenda including artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, and critical minerals.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Song emphasized the significance of this seminar as a platform for collective reflection on the global agenda—such as AI, renewable energy, and critical minerals—leading up to the G20 Summit scheduled to take place in South Africa in November this year.

Professor Seoin Baek of Hanyang University delivered a presentation on Korea’s strategies for international cooperation in AI, addressing global concerns over the deepening rift in AI technologies between the U.S. and China, as well as the growing dependency on these dominant powers. He highlighted Korea’s evolving identity as a strategic alternative and its pivotal role in shaping a sustainable framework for global competition and cooperation.

Associate Research Fellow Hyunjin Lee of KIEP followed with a discussion on recent trends in AI-related discourse within APEC and strategic challenges facing Korea. He noted the importance of the recent APEC Ministerial Statement, jointly endorsed by the U.S. and China, and called for Korea to formulate concrete international strategies to secure its “AI sovereignty.”

Associate Research Fellow Hyunyoung Oh of KEEI presented Korea’s strategy for renewable energy and international cooperation, underscoring Korea’s reliability as a renewable energy supply partner within the G20 framework. She also proposed launching joint initiatives to enhance the stability of renewable energy supply chains.

Lastly, Research Fellow Won Seok Choi of KIEP introduced Korea’s strategy and international cooperation plans for critical minerals. He outlined inclusive and multilateral cooperation initiatives aligned with the G20 agenda, including collaborative models with developing and emerging economies, as well as circular economy strategies for recycling of critical minerals.

- Title: Seminar on G20 Agenda and Korea’s Strategy

- Topic: Key G20 Agendas and Strategic Directions for Korea

- Date & Time: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 10:00–13:00

- Venue: Four Seasons Hotel, Seoul

- Hosts: Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), Ministry of Foreign Affairs

- Contact: Hanbyeol Jang, Researcher, Sustainable Development Research Team (hanbyeolj@kiep.go.kr)