The Responsible AI in Military Domain (REAIM) Summit 2024, co-organized by the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Ministry of National Defense (MND), successfully concluded after a two-day session in Seoul. The summit, which happened in September, brought together over 90 states to discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in military applications, highlighting global priorities and challenges while emphasizing the need for international cooperation to ensure responsible use of AI in the military.
The event’s highlight came when a ministerial roundtable chaired by South Korea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul and featuring a keynote address by Minister of National Defense Kim Yong Hyun gathered senior government representatives. The roundtable facilitated a global dialogue on three critical topics: the general approaches and priorities for AI in military applications, concerns and challenges associated with AI technology, and the prospects for international collaboration in developing responsible AI governance frameworks.
The REAIM Plenary, held on both days of the summit, featured three major panel discussions and 47 breakout sessions. The first plenary session, focused on “Understanding the Implications of AI on International Peace and Security,” explored the potential impact of AI on global security, particularly in relation to conflict dynamics and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Participants assessed both the benefits and risks associated with military applications of AI, recognizing that while AI technology could enhance operational efficiency, it also posed significant security risks.
The second plenary session examined “Implementing Responsible Applications of AI in the Military Domain.” Participants discussed key principles and practical measures necessary for the responsible development and use of AI in military settings. The session emphasized the need to translate broad ethical principles into concrete actions that would ensure AI systems in the military are safe, secure, and accountable.
The third and final plenary session, “Envisioning the Future Governance of AI in the Military Domain,” tackled key considerations for the future of AI governance in the military. Experts discussed the importance of strengthening international cooperation and creating a governance framework to guide responsible AI use. The session underscored the need for a collaborative approach to develop AI systems that align with international law and ethical standards.
In addition to the plenary discussions, the REAIM Summit featured two special sessions known as “REAIM Talks.” The first session brought together experts from academia and industry to provide policymakers with essential insights into the technical aspects of AI. The second session focused on the engineering and technical approaches required to implement responsible AI policies. These talks aimed to bridge the gap between policymakers and AI developers, fostering a deeper understanding of AI’s technical capabilities and limitations.
A highlight of the summit was the AI exhibition held at the Lotte Hotel Seoul lobby, where visitors experienced live demonstrations of AI applications in military settings. Korean companies showcased cutting-edge AI technologies, offering a glimpse into the future of AI in defense while promoting responsible development, deployment, and use. The exhibition attracted international visitors and helped raise awareness of Korea’s leadership in the AI sector.
The summit concluded with the official endorsement of the “Blueprint for Action,” a roadmap for establishing international norms for AI in the military domain. Supported by 61 states, the document outlines key principles for responsible AI governance, including the importance of compliance with international law, human responsibility and accountability, the reliability and trustworthiness of AI systems, and maintaining appropriate human oversight of AI operations. The Blueprint also highlights the need to improve AI explainability, ensuring that AI systems are transparent and understandable.
Korea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul praised the Blueprint for Action as a “collective achievement” that reflects the international community’s commitment to responsible AI use in military applications. He emphasized the importance of translating the Blueprint’s principles into actionable measures, urging continued global cooperation to implement these standards.
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