On 5 December 2024, SIPRI’s Director and leading experts participated in the World Emerging Security Forum (WESF) in Seoul, an annual event aimed at shaping global discussions on ways to effectively tackle emerging security threats.
Dan Smith, Dr Wilfred Wan and Dr Jingdong Yuan took part in discussions on the interplay of geopolitics and emerging technologies, and the growing competition for resources for technological development. Dan Smith also delivered opening and closing remarks, together with Rhee Dong-yeol, Ambassador for International Cyber Affairs, Republic of Korea; and other keynote speakers.
At this year’s event, one of the major areas of focus was the intersection between artificial intelligence and other domains such as weapons of mass destruction, space exploration and quantum computing, and its profound implications for global security. Speakers also explored possibilities to enhance international cooperation against transboundary security challenges and prevent the fragmentation of cooperative mechanisms.
The event built on the success of the previous three iterations of the WESF, which was launched in 2021. Held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul, the event convened a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives from governments, international organizations, the private sector, academia and media.
About SIPRI’s work on emerging technologies
SIPRI’s research on emerging military and security technologies monitors key developments in science and technology. It explores how these developments could undermine or enhance peace and security, fuel and transform conflicts, and be dealt with through existing or new governance frameworks. The research aims to produce informative and evidence-based analysis and recommendations for policymakers and facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues involving experts from governments, the private sector and experts from different regions and disciplines.