By Yoon Sojung
Photo = Kim Sunjoo
Seoul | March 22, 2019
The world’s first ambassador of technology, Casper Klynge of Denmark, on March 22 emphasized bilateral cooperation between Korea and his country in sectors related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Korea is second to none in the internet of things (IoT) and 5G. Both Korea and Denmark can benefit from tech diplomacy,” he said at Seoul Square in the capital’s Jung-gu District.
In 2017, Denmark became the first country to create the post of tech ambassador and also coined the term “techplomacy.” This was to stress the significance of setting new global standards for technological development by companies and governments and setting ethical standards in technology.
In the discussion “Can Techplomacy Work for Korea in the 4th Industrial Revolution,” Klynge said, “Today, technology is the power that controls not only an individual’s life but also policies of government.”
“Various issues rooted from technology development have far wider effects that a government cannot handle alone, and that is why techplomacy is needed.”
The diplomat said he is optimistic about the cooperation potential of techplomacy between Seoul and Copenhagen thanks to their close relationship. This was his second visit to Seoul, following his first after his appointment as tech ambassador in 2017.
Calling cybersecurity and smart city development as promising sectors in techplomacy, Klynge said, “Korea and Denmark will have negotiations in cooperation of the cybersecurity sector within the next two weeks, and a very constructive outcome can be made.”
“Part of techplomacy includes sharing ethical and social responsibility of technology among governments and companies,” he added, mentioning issues in technological development such as data protection and cybersecurity.
“Techplomacy will bring benefits to Korea and Denmark and many other countries especially in boosting human rights, gender equality, IoT and the smart city sector.”
arete@korea.kr