Choi Jung-wha, front row center, president of the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI), poses with ambassadors to Korea, including Philippines Ambassador Maria Theresa B.Dizon-De Vega, second from left in front, as well as business executives, before a lecture held at the Singaporean ambassador's residence in Seoul, April 23. Back row are Singaporean Ambassador Eric Teo, third from left, Peruvian Ambassador Paul Duclos, fourth from left, British Ambassador Colin Crooks, center, and former U.N. Under-Secretary-General Kim Won-soo, fourth from right. Courtesy of CICI

The Embassy of Singapore in Seoul, together with the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI), hosted a lecture, April 23, focusing on the escalating challenges caused by nuclear proliferation, climate change and artificial intelligence (AI).

The event hosted dignitaries such as business CEOs and ambassadors from other nations, including British Ambassador Colin Crooks, Peruvian Ambassador Paul Duclos and Philippine Ambassador Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega at the Singaporean ambassador's residence in Seoul.

The lecture was headed by Kim Won-soo, chair of the International Advisory Board of the Taejae Academy and former U.N. under-secretary-general, highlighting the pressing threats facing humanity. Kim urged global cooperation to address nuclear proliferation, climate change and the risks posed by AI.

"At the peak of the Cold War, the global nuclear supply reached 64,000 warheads. Thanks to nuclear arms control efforts, this number has been significantly reduced to 1207, a remarkable achievement. However, we now stand at a crossroads where we must decide whether to continue toward a world without nuclear weapons or risk a renewed nuclear arms race," he said.

Providing a roadmap for nuclear disarmament, Kim emphasized the importance of cooperation among major powers, particularly the United States and China.

"If we are to move towards a global zero nuclear weapons goal, we need the commitment of all nations, especially the G2 powers," he said.

Transitioning to the climate crisis, Kim stressed the alarming increase in CO2 concentration and temperature rise over the past century, emphasizing that CO2 concentration has exceeded 421 ppm, with temperatures rising by 1.5 degrees Celsius.

"If we continue on this trajectory, we risk surpassing the 2 degrees Celsius red line, leading to catastrophic consequences such as sea level rise and extreme weather events," Kim added. "The weakening of ocean currents could result in Europe and North America facing freezing temperatures, posing a significant threat to human habitation in these regions."

Turning to the risks posed by AI, Kim expressed concerns about the rapid development of AI and its potential misuse in warfare.

"The emergence of AI general warfare, where strategic and tactical decisions are made by AI entities, poses a particularly grave threat, as we may lose control over these systems," Kim said.

Kim called for a coalition of nations to address these existential threats and shape a new paradigm for global governance. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, urging responsible competition between major powers and proactive efforts to mitigate risks.