A delegation of representatives from major UN agencies gathered at a thousand-year-old Korean temple to experience Seon meditation and temple cuisine while reflecting on the Buddhist spirit of peace. The participants pledged to work together on global initiatives promoting human dignity and a sustainable future.

On May 21, the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (led by President Most Ven. Jinwoo) hosted an event at the Jeonsung Education Center of Jingwansa Temple in Seoul, where UN officials experienced Seon meditation and sampled temple cuisine.

Those in attendance included Most Ven. Jinwoo, Jingwansa Temple’s senior teacher, Ven. Gyeho, and abbot, Ven. Beophae. Also present were Cho Jungsik, nominee for Speaker of the National Assembly in the second half of the legislative session; Cha Jiho, a National Assembly member and co-host of the event; and Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), representing international organizations. Other heads of major UN agencies in attendance included Rania Dagash-Kamara, Assistant Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP); Kelly Clements, Deputy High Commissioner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); Hanan Shuliman, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); Imesh Pokharel, Deputy Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Seoul; Hong Yong, Deputy Regional Director for Southeast and East Africa at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); and Ro Soomi, Director of the Corporate Services Division at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The UN delegation visited Korea to participate in the "Global AI Hub" vision declaration ceremony, which was organized by Prime Minister Kim Minsuk and relevant government ministries. The ceremony, held that same afternoon, aims to establish an international AI cooperation platform in Korea. Through AI-based international cooperation, this platform will address global issues that are difficult to tackle at the national level, such as the climate crisis, food security, and refugees. Prior to the vision declaration cerremony, the delegation visited Jingwansa Temple to explore the spiritual values necessary in the technological age through traditional Buddhist teachings. 

In his welcoming remarks, Most Ven. Jinwoo, president of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, said, “The world is about to be radically transformed by artificial intelligence (AI), quantum science, and the digital age. While scientific and technological advancements have enabled us to enjoy faster and more prosperous lives, we are also experiencing the shadow side of war, conflict, anxiety, depression, hatred, and disconnection.” He emphasized that as we enter the AI era, the values of inner peace, compassion, empathy, and solidarity will become increasingly important, and therefore, the maturity of the mind must go hand in hand with scientific progress.

“South Korea possesses not only world-class digital technology but also the spiritual culture of Seon Buddhism, which has been cultivated through thousands of years of meditation tradition,” continued the Most Venerable. “I hope today’s Seon meditation experience at Jingwansa Temple will allow participants to internalize the values of universal solidarity and coexistence within the human community, transcending personal peace.”

Earlier, Cho Jungsik, the nominee for Speaker of the National Assembly, also expressed his gratitude in his remarks. He stated, “The Republic of Korea aspires to an AI-based society where technological progress emphasizes embracing the marginalized and contributing to the happiness of all humanity.” He added, “The Seon meditation and temple cuisine, as practiced by the Jogye Order today, go beyond traditional Korean culture by imparting the wisdom about healing, peace, solidarity, and coexistence as we navigate the AI era.”

“I am deeply grateful for the warm hospitality of the Korean Buddhist community,” replied Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), who spoke on behalf of the UN delegation. “Just as meditation opens the heart and unites humanity, AI will also connect the various activities carried out by UN agencies. I highly commend the South Korean government for initiating such innovative and pioneering efforts.”

National Assembly Member Cha Jiho presented a new vision integrating Korean Buddhist culture and artificial intelligence (AI). In his opening speech, he emphasized that Korean Buddhist culture is connected to the spirit of compassion for the global community’s suffering. He added that this philosophy of compassion can lead to a new form of ‘spiritual AI’ and announced plans to pursue the historic mission of alleviating human suffering through the Global AI Hub.

The delegation had the opportunity to experience the core teachings of Buddhism through Seon meditation practice and temple cuisine. Jingwansa Temple prepared a luncheon embodying the spirit of compassion and wisdom, themed “Oneness in May Cuisine.” During the meal, Ven. Gyeho, Jingwansa's senior teacher and a temple cuisine master, shared teachings of peace and harmony.