South Korea and World Bank Convene Global AI and Digital Summit in Seoul

South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT and the World Bank are convening the Global AI and Digital Summit (GADS) at the Grand Hyatt Seoul from October 19 through 22, 2026. The summit is described as the World Bank’s first AI and digital summit hosted outside the United States, making it a notable international forum for government-to-government engagement on technology policy and digital cooperation. The program opens with an AI and digital ministerial meeting on October 19, followed by a policy forum and corporate exhibition on October 20–21 and a study tour on October 22.

The ministerial meeting is expected to bring together representatives from about 60 countries, including ministers, vice ministers and officials from international organizations. South Korean Science Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon and World Bank Vice President Kim Sang-bu will co-chair the meeting. Under the theme “From Ambition to Action,” participants will address expanding digital inclusion and access, using AI to innovate public services, and building an innovative AI and digital ecosystem. Bae and Kim are expected to issue a chair’s statement documenting key discussions and cooperation plans.

For contractors and technology companies, the most direct business-development opportunity is the October 20–21 corporate exhibition, where South Korean and international firms can present AI and digital technologies and services. Government, industry, academic and international-organization participants will discuss policy and technology trends and consider opportunities for technological cooperation. This creates a setting to demonstrate relevant capabilities, identify prospective partners and better understand public-sector priorities across participating markets. It does not, however, establish that any participating government or organization is purchasing a specific product or service.

The summit should therefore be treated as a market-engagement and relationship-building event, not a confirmed procurement action. The announcement provides no contract value, solicitation, bid process, submission deadline, named procurement contact or funding commitment. Contractors should use the forum to gather information, qualify potential demand and build relationships, while monitoring official channels for any later procurement notices. The October 22 study tour—featuring the Korea Water Resources Corp and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital—will show overseas participants examples of AI and digital technology use, with the stated aim of informing countries’ digital-transformation policies. These visits may offer useful context for solution providers, but the source does not identify them as procurement activities.

• Event: Global AI and Digital Summit runs October 19–22, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Seoul.
• Organizers: South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT and the World Bank; the summit is the World Bank’s first AI and digital summit outside the United States.
• Participation: About 60 countries are expected at the October 19 ministerial meeting, alongside international organizations including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
• Leadership: Bae Kyung-hoon, South Korea’s science minister and deputy prime minister, and Kim Sang-bu, World Bank vice president, will co-chair the ministerial meeting.
• Policy themes: Digital inclusion and access, AI-enabled public-service innovation, and development of an innovative AI and digital ecosystem.
• Industry engagement: The October 20–21 exhibition features South Korean and international companies showcasing AI and digital technologies and services.
• Study tour: Overseas participants will visit Korea Water Resources Corp and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital on October 22 to review technology applications.
• Procurement status: No solicitation, contract award, procurement contact, contract value, bid process or submission deadline is identified; treat the summit as a networking and market-intelligence opportunity.
• Action for contractors: Prepare concise capability demonstrations, seek discussions with government and international-organization participants, and track official channels for any subsequent funded opportunities.