The World Emerging Security Forum (WESF), launched in 2021, aims to serve as the venue to promote a shared understanding of today’s changing international security environment, and shape global discussions on ways to effectively tackle emerging security threats. The Forum aims to seek inclusive and open participation of diverse stakeholders in the international community, with the view that mutual exchanges between stakeholders lay the groundwork for enhancing the effectiveness of international cooperation and preventing the fragmentation of cooperative mechanisms. From this perspective, the Forum is geared towards international cooperation based on common interest, not the interests of particular actors.

In a hyper-connected world, rapid developments in technologies trigger complex challenges to international security no country can tackle alone. Threats in cyberspace are growing more sophisticated and diverse in form, and the innovation driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies spark debates on the potential risk as well as benefits they may bring. These developments are not limited to the digital sphere, but also affect the physical world, exacerbating and accelerating existing security challenges. Coupled with geopolitical tensions, the cross-cutting and transboundary nature of today’s security challenges require collective wisdom and coordinated efforts across political, economic and technology sectors.

Building on the success of the previous three iterations of the WESF, this year’s event will focus on the evolving international security landscape, affected by the interactions between geopolitical tensions and technological developments. It will specifically explore the interplay of geopolitics and emerging technologies including AI, the evolving cyber threat landscape, and the growing competition for resources for technological development. By promoting discussion on possible international cooperation on these pressing challenges, WESF 2024 aims to promote convergence on what the potential solutions are, laying a more solid foundation for potential global action on these challenges.