2026 World Emerging Security Forum
SCHEDULE
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Opening Remarks
JEONG Yeondoo
Vice Minister for Strategy and Intelligence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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Congratulatory Remarks
KIM Huy Kang
Secretary to the President for Cybersecurity, Office of National Security
The scope of military applications for AI technology is expanding rapidly. Some argue that AI has not only dramatically accelerated decision-making in military operations but has also reshaped military command structures. Meanwhile, others argue that full-scale AI integration into the military is premature and often exaggerated, and that such hype eclipses AI’s potential to prevent military conflicts. In this session, panelists will engage in an in-depth discussion on the dual-use nature of AI in defense.
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Moderator
Alexander Babuta
Director, Centre for Emerging Technology and Security, The Alan Turing Institute
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Speaker
Peter Anstee
National Security Policy Lead, Global Affairs, OpenAI
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Speaker
Sami Khoury
Former Government of Canada Senior Official for Cyber Security
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Speaker
Guy Lalanne
Senior Economist, Directorate for Science Technology and Innovation, OECD
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Speaker
OH Il Seok
Director of Emerging Security Studies, Institute for National Security Strategy (INSS)
Drones are fundamentally transforming the character of 21st-century warfare. Furthermore, as unsophisticated and inexpensive commercial drones are extensively deployed on the battlefield, a new defense industrial ecosystem is emerging at an unprecedented pace, significantly expanding global drone production capacities. This session will explore the key strategic implications of drone warfare, the impact of proliferating drone capabilities on future conflict, and the major features of this emerging drone ecosystem.
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Moderator
James Lewis
Distinguished Fellow, Technology, Center for European Policy Analysis
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Speaker
Peter Bae
Executive Vice President, MRO Business Group, Hanwha Aerospace
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Speaker
Fiona Barnaby
Head of Humanitarian Affairs and Policy for East Asia, International Committee of the Red Cross
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Speaker
LIM Chae Deok
Principal Researcher, AI Robot & Mobility Research Division, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI)
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Speaker
Arbo Probal
Program Manager, Unmanned Systems (UxS) and Counter-UxS, Force Transformation Command, Estonian Defence Forces
A defining shift today is that innovations across diverse high-tech fields are deeply interconnected and integrated. In this session, panelists will explore the nature of emerging security threats arising from the convergence of AI, cyber, and nuclear capabilities, as well as strategies to mitigate their cascading effects.
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Moderator
Trevor Rudolph
Senior Non-Resident Fellow, GeoTech Center, Atlantic Council
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Speaker
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Karen Gibson
Former Deputy Director of National Intelligence for National Security Partnerships
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Speaker
Steven Kelly
President, Center for Technology & Strategic Stability, Institute for Security and Technology
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Speaker
Graham Nelson
Founder and Executive Director, AI Diplomatic Engagement Network (ADEN)
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Speaker
SOHN Han-byeol
Professor, Department of Military Strategy, Korea National Defense University
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is undergoing simultaneous militarization and commercialization, and the rise of frontier AI is accelerating both. In this session, panelists will examine how to effectively manage increasing LEO congestion, the space competition between the United States and China, and the emerging security threats arising from this rivalry.
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Moderator
Kolja Brockmann
Senior Researcher (Non-Resident), Dual-Use and Arms Trade Control Programme, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
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Speaker
CHOI Myungjin
CEO, InSpace Co., Ltd.
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Speaker
JUNG Yungjin
Professor, Department of Defense Policy, Korea National Defense University
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Speaker
SUZUKI Kazuto
Professor, Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Tokyo & Director, Institute of Geoeconomics, International House of Japan
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Speaker
Clayton Swope
Deputy Director of the Aerospace Security Project, Defense and Security Department, Center for Strategic and International Studies
The escalation of geopolitical conflicts is driving dramatic transformations in the global high-tech industrial order. In this session, panelists will discuss the future of emerging security, focusing on high-tech supply chain fragmentation caused by rising geopolitical risks, the delicate balance between technological sovereignty and open cooperation, and the evolution from traditional military alliances to tech-centered coalitions. The session will close by drawing together the threads of the day’s discussions.
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Moderator
LEE Seungjoo
Professor, Department of Political Science & International Relations, Chung-Ang University
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Speaker
Tai Ming Cheung
Co-Director, Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation, University of California San Diego
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Speaker
Gen. (Ret.) Philippe Lavigne
Senior Advisor, Boston Consulting Group & Former Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), NATO
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Speaker
Sameer Patil
Director, Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology, Observer Research Foundation
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Speaker
Olivia Shen
Director, Strategic Technologies Program, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney
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Closing Remarks
HA Wieyoung
Director-General for International Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
*All sessions are conducted in English.
*The programme is subject to change.