Jeju, Republic of Korea (28-31 May 2025) - Former President of the Philippines and member of the House of Representatives Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo advocated for inclusive innovation at the World Leaders’ Session of the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity held from 28-30 May 2025. 

Marking its 20th year, the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity serves as a platform for domestic and foreign political leaders, renowned scholars and global entrepreneurs to discuss geopolitical challenges and opportunities for long-lasting peace and mutual prosperity. This year’s forum was convened under the theme “Harnessing Innovation for Peace and Shared Prosperity”, and welcomed about 4,000 officials from about 30 countries, with 53 sessions on areas such as the expansion of multilateral relations, trade, and innovation. PH Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega represented the Philippines in select panels on maritime security and regional cooperation. 

At the centerpiece World Leaders’ Session former President Macapagal-Arroyo, joining former Slovenian President Danilo Turk, called for a shift in focus from traditional technological advancement to innovations that promote peace, equity, and resilience. Former President and Representative Macapagal-Arroyo also proposed three innovation priorities: (1) inclusive innovation for the disadvantaged, (2) technologies for risk and crisis management, and (3) tools to enhance international discourse and prevent conflict. Warning against misuses of digital technologies and deepfakes, she called for democratized science communication, highlighting the role of media and institutions in shaping a more informed and peaceful world.

“Political will and public openness are needed to actually use these monitoring mechanisms and communications for peace. Peace-building organizations and media have a role to play to advance understanding between opposing groups by providing platforms where validated information from all sides are presented and by opening adversaries to each other’s situations and perspectives,” the former President said. 

During the Question and Answer segment following her keynote, Former President and Representative Macapagal-Arroyo addressed a range of critical global issues, from geopolitical cooperation to inclusive innovation. She highlighted ASEAN’s consensus-driven, non-interventionist model as a peaceful innovative alternative to traditional Western balance-of-power strategies. She advocated for blending both approaches to address tensions in the current global landscape. On innovation and inequality, she outlined international policy directions to steer science and technology toward inclusive, ethical development, especially benefiting the Global South, and emphasized the need for a global, publicly funded R&D network to ensure equitable access to lifesaving technologies, like vaccines, during crises. She welcomed deeper ASEAN-EU collaboration on climate initiatives through platforms like the Circular Economy Partnership. Addressing digital threats, she called for the establishment of international norms to tackle deepfakes and AI misuse, warning of potential scenarios that could trigger war through the use of fabricated data. Concluding with advice to youth, she urged future leaders to act boldly, work within systems, embrace sustainable technologies, and build a better, greener future.

Aside from her participation in the World Leaders’ Session, Former President and Representative Macapagal-Arroyo also delivered inspirational remarks to encourage the next generation of leaders committed to sustainable peace and shared prosperity at the forum’s inaugural Jeju Young Leaders Program. Highlighting the Philippines' long-standing commitment to youth empowerment—from the creation of the Sangguniang Kabataan to the National Youth Commission—her message emphasizes the urgency of bridging generational divides in a rapidly changing, tech-driven world. 

Jeju Governor Oh Young-hun also warmly welcomed former President and Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo back to Jeju after nearly 14 years, expressing appreciation for her continued engagement in regional collaboration. During their meeting, Governor Oh highlighted Jeju’s recent advancements in key industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor and chip manufacturing, and game development. Both sides also emphasized the potential for enhanced cooperation between Jeju and the Philippines, particularly in promoting two-way tourism and strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two regions. END