South Korean Foreign Minister ``We will stand in solidarity with the international community to protect freedom, human rights, and the rule of law'' - Democracy Summit

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol said at the opening ceremony of the ``3rd Democracy Summit'' held at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul on the morning of the 18th, ``Today we are at a decisive moment in history.''
``As geopolitical tensions increase, the entire world is experiencing a retreat in democratic values.'' He went on to say, ``We are in a situation where the international landscape is fundamentally changing.''
"The rapid pace of technological change is adding another layer of complexity to the current dynamics." Foreign Minister Cho said, ``If all these circumstances come together, it will weigh heavily on the legacy we leave for future generations.''
``The kind of legacy we will leave behind will be determined by how we jointly respond to the challenges we face today.''
He continued, ``AI and digital technologies are impacting democracy, presenting unprecedented opportunities and formidable challenges.''
"While digital technology increases democratic participation, it risks undermining the very foundations of democratic societies by amplifying fake news, disinformation and digital surveillance threats."
"We must now carefully adjust the direction of the technological revolution and ensure that it develops in a direction that protects and promotes democratic values for our descendants.
"This requires an unprecedented level of cooperation."