GOYANG — The city of Goyang in Gyeonggi Province has launched a full-scale campaign to host the government's "UN Global AI Hub," rolling out a citywide signature drive and street campaign ahead of the official call for bids.
The Citizens' Committee for Hosting the UN Global AI Hub said on the 1st that it is launching online and offline signature drives and a street banner campaign to rally support for Goyang's bid, in response to the government's call for applications in October.
The UN Global AI Hub, to be pursued under an agreement between the government and UN agencies, is a large-scale state project that will oversee AI research, testing and international cooperation. The committee argues that Goyang is the best location, citing strong access to the capital area, broadcasting, video and ICT infrastructure, and favorable living conditions.
Banners supporting the bid are going up along major streets in Goyang through voluntary participation by cultural, arts and civic groups, including the Happy Future Education Forum, the Goyang Fine Arts Association, Pyeonghwa Nuri and the Goyang Philharmonic Orchestra. Local organizations such as the Korean Entomological Research Society and the Gyeonggi Forum for the Human Rights of People with Disabilities have joined relay signature drives, adding to the momentum.
To broaden public contact and support for the bid, the committee will operate signature booths at major autumn festival venues in Goyang throughout October. It plans to hold on-site signature drives and volunteer campaigns at events including the 2026 Goyang Autumn Flower Festival, which opened on the 1st, the Goyang National Makgeolli Festival and the Goyang Flower Scent Festa.
Cooperation with the education sector is also gaining pace. The committee visited the Goyang Office of Education on the same day to request briefings on the AI hub bid for local teachers and parents, along with help in gathering signatures. The signatures collected will be delivered to the relevant ministry and evaluation bodies to convey the city's strong commitment to winning the bid.
Hong Young-pyo, co-chair of the committee, said hosting the UN Global AI Hub in Goyang would be a decisive opportunity for the city to move beyond being a self-contained satellite city and become a center of advanced global future industries. "With the government's call for bids approaching, nothing matters more than showing the united desire and solidarity of our citizens, so we ask for strong interest and participation in the signature drive and the campaign," Hong said.
