Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon has proposed using the company’s artificial intelligence-powered services, including Naver Works and Papago Plus, to improve communication and collaboration across the UN Global Compact’s global network, the company said Wednesday.
Choi presented the idea at a UNGC board meeting held at UN Headquarters in New York on Sept. 19. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Global Compact Sanda Ojiambo were among participants discussing the role of business in advancing sustainable development.
Naver said it plans to explore potential cooperation with the UNGC headquarters, more than 70 local networks and participating small and medium-sized enterprises. The specific scope, format and timing of any partnership will be determined through further discussions.
The proposal is intended to support the UNGC’s 2026-2030 Strategy by helping companies turn sustainability commitments into practical action. Naver Works could provide a shared collaboration platform, while Papago Plus could help overcome language barriers through AI-powered translation and interpretation, the company said.
“Efficient collaboration that bridges national and regional divides is essential to give greater momentum to the UNGC’s work,” Choi said. “We hope Naver’s AI and digital technologies will support the digital transformation of local networks and accelerate global communication.”
Choi became a UNGC board member in September 2025, the first Korean appointed to the board in 17 years. During her three-year term, she is expected to contribute to responsible technology development, global digital cooperation and the expansion of sustainable business practices.
herim@heraldcorp.com
