South Korea promotes itself as global hub for AI cooperation

Thursday, May 28, 2026

South Korea hosted international financial institution officials at an AI-driven water treatment facility to demonstrate the use of artificial intelligence in enhancing public infrastructure management. This visit supported the country's push to become a global AI hub by promoting technology solutions for climate change and sustainable development while securing partnerships with major development banks to expand AI collaboration.

South Korea is advancing its ambition to become a global center for artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration, showcasing cutting-edge applications in public infrastructure management during a recent international visit. On Thursday, officials from several major international financial institutions toured an AI-integrated water treatment plant operated by Korea Water Resources Corp. in Hwaseong, south of Seoul, demonstrating AI’s role in optimizing critical services.

The event followed the government’s “Global AI Hub Vision Declaration” ceremony held the previous day, outlining South Korea’s strategic goals to lead international AI efforts targeting climate change, public health, and sustainable development. The visit attracted over 20 senior representatives, including vice president-level officials from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), alongside delegates from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Central American Bank for Economic Integration, and various United Nations agencies.

At the Hwaseong facility, Korea Water Resources Corp. highlighted AI systems that process large data sets to refine chemical treatment procedures, minimize energy consumption, and proactively identify water quality issues before they escalate. South Korean officials emphasized the technology’s potential to provide effective solutions for developing nations grappling with unreliable water infrastructure and limited resources.

Representatives from the World Bank and ADB acknowledged that implementing such AI-powered systems could enhance both safety and operational efficiency in regions challenged by water management problems. The Ministry of Finance and Economy announced plans to strengthen international AI partnerships by attracting AI-focused centers from major multilateral development banks to establish a presence in South Korea. To that end, memorandums of understanding have been signed with the IDB and ADB, while a letter of intent has been reached with the EBRD.

Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank Vice President for the East Asia and Pacific Region, underscored the importance of ensuring developing countries are included in the global AI transition, emphasizing equitable access to emerging technologies. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol reiterated South Korea’s commitment to deepening global AI cooperation to address shared challenges and support sustainable development outcomes.