NAVER CEO Choi Soo-yeon Joins UN Global Compact Board to Shape AI Governance Worldwide
On September 18, 2025, NAVER Corporation announced a significant milestone in global tech governance. CEO Choi Soo-yeon has been officially appointed to the Board of Directors of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). This prestigious role acknowledges her vital contributions to shaping the international dialogue on artificial intelligence (AI) governance and establishing a safe, ethical AI ecosystem.
The UN Global Compact, which is the world's largest initiative for corporate citizenship, encompasses over 25,000 companies from 167 countries. It aims to promote responsible management practices grounded in ten principles that cover areas such as human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. Among the private sector participants in South Korea, 360 companies are involved in this initiative. Choi's appointment is particularly noteworthy as she is the first Korean to join the UNGC board in 17 years, marking a celebrated moment for both NAVER and South Korea.
During her three-year term on the board, Choi is expected to band together with other global leaders in regular discussions and activities, aiming for the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Her reputation as a champion for ethical and responsible AI practices was solidified at the AI Action Summit held in Paris earlier this year, where she articulated NAVER's vision to foster diversity and inclusivity within the digital landscape.
With the introduction of the AI Safety Framework (ASF) in June 2024, NAVER has taken a significant step towards risk management and safety in AI development. This comprehensive approach outlines potential risks and sets up measures to mitigate them, ensuring the reliability of AI technologies as they evolve.
The UN Global Compact highlighted Choi’s efforts to create collaborative ecosystems through initiatives like NAVER Ventures in Silicon Valley, where she supports a diverse range of startups. By doing so, she fosters innovation and entrepreneurial spirit across various demographics and markets. Additionally, through the establishment of NAVER Impact in 2024, Choi has worked to reinforce sustainable growth, partnering with local communities, small-medium enterprises (SMEs), and startups.
Sanda Ojiambo, the CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, stated that Choi's knowledge on responsible business practices is critical to mobilizing the corporate sector towards achieving the SDGs. This emphasizes the importance of aligning business strategies with sustainable practices in a rapidly changing global economy.
Choi's commitment to ethical technology and responsible leadership will be instrumental as she prepares for her inaugural meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York on September 20, 2025. As a board member, she is anticipated to play a proactive role in addressing the pressing issues surrounding AI governance and leveraging international cooperation to guide its future.
Founded in 1999, NAVER is South Korea’s foremost internet company and ranks among the world's leading tech firms. With a diverse portfolio spanning commerce, fintech, cloud computing, AI, and robotics, NAVER aims to enhance its business reach globally. In 2024 alone, the company reported a revenue of KRW 10.74 trillion (approximately USD 7.5 billion), demonstrating its continued growth and influence.
With Choi on the UNGC board, NAVER is poised to contribute significantly to the dialogue on AI governance and sustainable growth, reinforcing its mission to innovate while ensuring responsible practices govern technological advances.