Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon at ILO Conference: "Benefits of AI Must Be Shared Among Prime Contractors, Subcontractors, and Local Communities"

Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon stated on June 10 (local time) that the international community must ensure that "the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) technology are not monopolized, but fairly shared among workers, companies, prime contractors, subcontractors, and local communities."

Minister Kim, who is attending the 114th International Labour Organization (ILO) conference in Geneva, Switzerland, made these remarks during his speech as the head of the South Korean government delegation.

Minister Kim continued, "Moving beyond the dichotomy of reinvestment versus redistribution, fair distribution leading to reinvestment and sustainable growth is the new social contract for an AI era that puts humans first."

Emphasizing the importance of "social dialogue" where workers, employers, and the government work together, Minister Kim stated, "When we drive social innovation alongside technological innovation, AI leads to growth for all."

He added, "A fairer and more human-centered AI transition will be achieved when we build trust through social dialogue," and expressed his belief that "the tripartism that created the ILO and the spirit of social dialogue can be realized in the Republic of Korea."

Minister Kim introduced that the South Korean government is preparing a "Basic Plan for Employment Stability in Industrial Transition" to support the stable transition and re-employment of workers during the shift to the AI era.

Minister Kim set a rare precedent by delivering speeches at the ILO conference as both a representative of the labor sector and a government representative.

In 2010, at the 99th ILO conference, he stood at the podium as the representative of the South Korean labor sector in his capacity as the chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU).

He stated, "The Republic of Korea has grown from a country that once received help from the international community into a nation that now shares its experience and responsibilities," adding, "The Korean government will establish a 'Global AI Hub' with international organizations and multilateral development banks to lead discussions on international labor agendas and cooperation."

(Photo: Provided by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.