Korea is uniquely positioned to lead global efforts to design and test more inclusive artificial intelligence (AI) systems for older people, combining its advanced technological capabilities with the world’s fastest-aging population, according to a U.N. expert. The country’s rapid technological development and equally fast demographic transition give it an unusual opportunity — and responsibility — to develop an age-inclusive model that can be adopted by other countries, said Zvezdan Pirtosek, the U.N. Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of All Human Rights by Older Persons. Korea became a super-aged society in late 2024, as people aged 65 and older accounted for more than 20 percent of the population. The share is expected to continue to rise as its total fertility rate remains the world’s lowest, at around 0.8. “I think Korea can lead discussions about these very, very important and timely issues,” he said in an interview with The Korea Times on Wednesday, adding that Korea can pioneer the development and testing of its own comprehensive AI models and policies, and that
