Lee says AI should be used to bridge healthcare gaps worldwide

SEOUL, October 21 - President Lee Jae Myung emphasized during a speech at the World Bio Summit 2026 that artificial intelligence technology should be employed judiciously in the healthcare industry to address global healthcare disparities. Kim Kyoung-ja, his senior secretary for social affairs, conveyed the message on behalf of the president. The World Health Organization, along with the South Korean government, is hosting the summit from Wednesday to Thursday.

Lee stressed that AI technology should be utilized safely and responsibly within the healthcare sector, which is intimately tied to human well-being, with the aim of bridging gaps in medical services globally. The summit concluded with the adoption of the AI Healthcare Seoul Declaration, which advocates for global unity to guarantee that the advantages derived from AI advancements are equitably distributed, and that AI technology is applied in a safe and responsible manner.

President Lee underscored that narrowing the gaps between nations in the healthcare sector and ensuring universal access to adequate medical services is a pressing global challenge that necessitates collective efforts.