Professor Junesoo Lee of the KDI School of Public Policy and Management has called for a more balanced and human-centred approach to artificial intelligence adoption, warning that excessive dependence on AI without sustained investment in human capacity could weaken long-term national competitiveness and critical thinking.

Professor Lee made the remarks during his presentation at the Korea Green Innovation Days (KGID) 2026 conference held in Sejong City, where policymakers, development practitioners, researchers and students from around the world gathered to discuss green growth, digital governance, climate innovation and sustainable development. The theme of the conference was: “Learning from Korea: Scaling Green Growth for Global Impact.”

Speaking during the panel discussion on AI and Global Development: Strategic Direction for Developing Countries and the World Bank, Professor Lee explored what he described as the ambivalent relationship between AI-assisted national development and human development. He examined both the opportunities and risks associated with rapid AI adoption, especially for developing countries seeking to modernise public services, strengthen economic competitiveness, and accelerate digital transformation.

According to him, artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly improve efficiency, innovation and policy delivery when used responsibly. However, he cautioned that governments and institutions must avoid allowing technological convenience to replace independent human reasoning, creativity and analytical thinking.

“The more independently competent the human principal is, the more effectively they can utilise AI agents, and the more sustainable their national development becomes,” Professor Lee said.

He argued that while AI systems can enhance short-term productivity and support faster decision-making, overreliance on such systems could create what he termed “hollow intelligence,” a condition where individuals gradually lose the capacity for independent judgment because they depend excessively on automated tools.

Professor Lee also identified several emerging challenges associated with AI integration into governance and development systems. These included AI illiteracy, algorithmic bias, accountability gaps, and growing fears among workers that artificial intelligence could eventually replace human labour. He noted that many institutions are adopting AI under social, political or organisational pressure without adequately preparing their workforce or governance structures for its implications.

He further stressed that sustainable development in the AI era would depend not simply on access to technology, but on strengthening human adaptability, institutional learning and ethical governance. Rather than seeing AI as a substitute for human capability, he advocated a “human-AI collaborative mentorship” model that allows technology to complement rather than dominate human decision-making.

Under this approach, he explained, learners and professionals should initially use AI systems to explore broad ideas and possibilities, while later stages of work should rely more heavily on independent verification, critical reasoning and human judgment. This balance, he argued, is necessary to preserve long-term intellectual and institutional resilience.

Other speakers at the panel spoke on the strategic implications of artificial intelligence for global development and the role of institutions in guiding responsible technological transformation.

The conference itself brought together representatives from the World Bank, government ministries, universities, research institutions and private sector organisations across multiple regions, including Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Discussions throughout the three-day conference covered climate finance, smart cities, digital public services, green transport systems, resilient agriculture and AI-enabled governance solutions.

Participating KDIS students also reflected on the value of the conference and the growing importance of interdisciplinary global collaboration.

Sularso Dian Paramita, a student in the Masters in Management Policy (MPM) programme from Indonesia, described the conference as an important platform for international exchange and practical learning in climate-related development policy.

“We have met with a lot of people from the World Bank and government ministries. We’ve explored the practical applications of green technologies in agriculture, transportation, and the private sector, which is part of what we study in school. This global exchange of knowledge is exactly what I needed to add more depth to my current studies,” she said. 

Vineel Kumar from Fiji, enrolled in the Masters in Development Policy (MDP), said the sessions offered useful insights into how countries can adapt Korea’s development experiences to their own economic realities and policy priorities.

Brian Munyi from Kenya, also a student in the Masters in Development Policy (MDP), noted that the conference created opportunities for participants from different countries to engage deeply on issues of digital governance, inclusion and sustainable growth.

Meanwhile, Bradley Ndibnu Beckley from Cameroon, a student in the Masters in Public Policy (MPP), said Professor Lee’s presentation helped him better understand the broader implications of AI for policymakers and citizens alike.

“The program has been excellent. I've especially appreciated the focus on AI's broader implications, and it has helped me bridge the gap between our roles as policymakers and our experiences as end-users. Today alone provided enough food for thought to be worth the entire experience so far,” he said.