NAVER CEO Tapped for UN Board to Help Shape Global AI Governance

Choi Soo-yeon, the CEO of South Korean tech giant NAVER, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the United Nations Global Compact, a prestigious appointment that signals a growing international focus on establishing a unified framework for AI governance.

The announcement, made from the UN headquarters in New York, positions a key leader from a major non-Western technology company at the heart of the global conversation on corporate responsibility and the ethical development of artificial intelligence. NAVER, often called the "Google of South Korea," is a significant player in AI research and development.

The UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, calling on companies to align their operations with universal principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. The appointment of Choi Soo-yeon is seen as a strategic move to bring a crucial voice from the AI industry into its highest level of leadership.

In a statement, the UN highlighted NAVER's early and public commitment to AI ethics and safety principles. It noted that Choi Soo-yeon's expertise will be invaluable as the Global Compact works to guide companies worldwide in navigating the complex ethical challenges posed by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.

"As AI technologies become more integrated into our economies and societies, it is essential that their development is guided by a strong ethical compass," a UN spokesperson said. "Choi Soo-yeon's leadership and NAVER's experience will be a tremendous asset to the Board as we work to build a global consensus on responsible AI governance."

For NAVER, the appointment is a major international recognition of its efforts in the AI space. The company has been a vocal proponent of "human-centric" AI and has actively participated in global policy discussions.

"I am deeply honored to join the Board of the UN Global Compact," said CEO Choi Soo-yeon. "At NAVER, we believe that technology should be developed and used in a way that benefits all of humanity. I look forward to collaborating with other global leaders to help establish the principles and partnerships needed for a safe and equitable AI future."

This move is significant as it diversifies the voices shaping global tech policy, which has traditionally been dominated by U.S. and European perspectives. By bringing a top executive from one of Asia's most innovative tech companies to the table, the UN is underscoring the need for a truly global approach to the challenges and opportunities of the AI era.