The international community has united to ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare are equitably distributed to people worldwide, regardless of nationality or socioeconomic status. The South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare and the World Health Organization (WHO) jointly announced the "AI Healthcare Seoul Declaration" at the 2026 World Bio Summit, marking the first step toward a global alliance focused on realizing 'AI basic healthcare' that prioritizes human life and dignity.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare, in collaboration with WHO, is hosting the "2026 World Bio Summit" at the COEX Convention Center in Seoul from October 21 for two days, focusing on the theme of "Expanding Biohealth Innovations Driven by AI."
During the opening ceremony, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visiting Korea for the first time since taking office, and Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong unveiled the "AI Healthcare Seoul Declaration for Responsible Innovation and Global Solidarity." This marks the first time that the South Korean government and the WHO Director-General have jointly adopted a declaration related to medical AI.
"AI Innovation for All"... Four Core Principles in the 'Seoul Declaration'
The "AI Healthcare Seoul Declaration," presented by Minister Jeong and Director-General Tedros, outlines international principles for the safe and responsible use of AI technology in healthcare, ensuring that its advantages are not concentrated among a select few.
The declaration consists of four core principles: 1) Expanding AI technology and investment to address healthcare challenges and ensuring fair distribution of data benefits; 2) Establishing a robust oversight system proportional to the purpose and risk level of AI use; 3) Strengthening partnerships among governments, healthcare sectors, and developers for early detection of public health crises using AI; and 4) Implementing collective actions to ensure equitable sharing of AI benefits.
In her opening remarks, Minister Jeong emphasized, "We must work together with the international community to ensure that the fruits of AI innovation are not monopolized by specific countries or groups, but are accessible to everyone across geographical and socioeconomic barriers."
Director-General Tedros also stated, "While maximizing the potential of AI, regulation and risk mitigation are essential. Innovation holds true value when it reduces health disparities and ensures equitable access."
Global Leaders Gather... Discussions on AI Innovation from Drug Development to Global R&D Investment
This year's summit, now in its third iteration, has attracted global health leaders, including health ministers from various countries, heads of international organizations, representatives from major pharmaceutical companies, and academic experts, who are focusing on the paradigm shift in the biohealth industry driven by AI.
During the summit's keynote event, the "Leaders' Dialogue," chaired by Baek Nam-jong, president of Seoul National University Hospital, seven experts, including Alain Labrique from WHO, explored ways to translate the Seoul Declaration into actionable initiatives.
Subsequent sessions addressed the specific values generated by AI. The first session highlighted the future of AI as a "scientific agent" capable of autonomously conducting hypothesis generation and experimental design. The second session featured executives from global pharmaceutical companies, including Amgen, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), Novo Nordisk, and Roche, who shared strategies for leveraging AI to reshape the entire medical value chain, including drug development, clinical trials, and diagnostics.
On the second day of the event, sessions will include discussions with representatives from the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on global funding and the establishment of open partnerships in the healthcare AI sector, which requires high-risk, long-term investments.
Meanwhile, Minister Jeong plans to hold bilateral meetings with health ministers from Turkey, Armenia, Tunisia, and Qatar during the summit to explore various avenues for healthcare cooperation, including health insurance, medical AI, and pharmaceutical exports. Director-General Tedros, visiting Korea for the first time in 11 years, will also participate in the opening ceremony of a global bio workforce training hub campus, among other engagements.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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