SEOUL As the global order unravels and nations increasingly turn inward, driven by rising nationalism and self-interest, the 25th World Knowledge Forum (WKF) will convene in South Korea from September 9 to 11. This year’s forum will assemble a distinguished roster of speakers and delegates to explore pathways for “coexistence” amid the unprecedented challenges of 2024, a year marked by significant global conflict.

Themed “Journey Towards Coexistence and Prosperity in ASEAN”, the forum aims to foster mutual support, understanding, and respect among nations. Participants from governments, academia, corporations, and other sectors worldwide will gather to exchange insights and contribute to promoting balanced economic growth and global prosperity.

In his message for the event, Dr Chang Dae-whan, Chairman of Maekyung Media Group and Founder of the World Knowledge Forum, highlighted that the 25th WKF occurs during a period of significant geopolitical and geoeconomic instability. He noted that major powers, led by strong leaders, are applying military and economic pressure on neighbouring countries to align with their interests, indicating a challenging path ahead.

“Amidst a shifting geopolitical balance of power, unprecedented new technologies are emerging, fundamentally transforming human lives. Sustained investments by companies and governments in technology development have yielded remarkable advancements in various fields, including quantum computing, biotechnology, robotics, and, notably, artificial intelligence (AI),” Dr Chang said.

As rapid changes in politics, economics, society, culture, and other areas amplify conflicts, humanity faces the critical challenge of coexisting and collaborating in an unprecedented world.

“Now more than ever, we need the wisdom to respect one another and live together harmoniously, transcending conflicts based on gender, generation, ideology, culture, environment, and individual differences,” he emphasised.

The theme “Journey Towards Coexistence” has therefore been selected for this year’s World Knowledge Forum. Discussions will cover the international situation, the future of Artificial Intelligence, sustainable development, and business innovation.

In sessions on the international situation, participants will analyse how ongoing conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and recent Middle Eastern unrest, might reshape the geopolitical landscape. They will also examine how the balance of power between the G2 nations might shift following the U.S. presidential election and its implications for the emergence of a new world order.

For the future of AI, speakers will address critical questions about whether AI will lead to human prosperity or present unprecedented challenges.

Sessions focused on sustainability will explore alternatives to help humanity navigate impending crises, including advances in neuroscience, renewable energy, startups, and developments in Asia and Africa.

In discussions on business and innovation, expert panels will investigate how companies should approach innovation and the future trajectory of technological advancements.

“Coexistence is not achieved overnight. It requires time to understand oneself and others. Thus, the path to coexistence is more akin to a 'journey'. It involves not walking alone but rather standing shoulder to shoulder, supporting one another, and progressing together step by step,” Dr Chang remarked.

This year’s WKF will feature leading experts including Hun Sen, former Prime Minister of Cambodia; Mauricio Macri, former President of Argentina; Naftali Bennett, former Prime Minister of Israel; John Kelly, the 28th White House Chief of Staff; Robert C. O’Brien, the 27th U.S. National Security Advisor; Linda G. Mills, the 17th President of New York University; Kohei Itoh, the 20th President of Keio University; Jonathan Gray, President and COO of Blackstone; Kam Ghaffarian, Co-Founder of X-energy; Ian Goldin, Professor at Oxford University; Chris Miller, Professor at Tufts University; and Dominique Perrault, French architect and urban planner.

Founded in October 2000 in response to the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the World Knowledge Forum has aimed to transform Korea into a knowledge-driven nation. Since its inception, the forum has provided a platform for meaningful discussions to bridge knowledge gaps, foster global economic growth, and promote prosperity. To date, approximately 5,832 global speakers and 62,821 attendees have participated in the forum. VNS