Science ministry sends deputy PM to ITU conference in Doha, eyes re-election to board

South Korea's science ministry said Monday that Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon will attend the International Telecommunication Union's Plenipotentiary Conference opening in Doha, Qatar, where Korea will seek a 10th consecutive term on the ITU Council and a seat on the Radio Regulations Board.

Bae, who doubles as minister of science and ICT, is scheduled to deliver a high-level policy speech and take part in ministerial discussions on emerging technologies, and plans to present Korea's vision for artificial intelligence and digital policy. Korea is also competing to place Park Jong-min on the Radio Regulations Board.

"As AI and digital technologies become the core engine driving innovation and growth around the world, the importance of international cooperation is growing further," Bae said. "Based on the AI and digital capabilities and experience Korea has accumulated, we will strengthen cooperation with the international community and contribute actively so that all countries can share in the benefits of AI and digital innovation."

The conference, held every four years, brings together 194 member states to set policy direction for the next four years and to elect senior officials, including the secretary-general, and 48 council members. The ITU, the oldest specialized agency of the United Nations, manages international rules and policies on frequency and satellite orbit coordination, telecommunications standardization and efforts to narrow the digital gap between countries.