Korea is set to host APEC for the first time in 20 years, marking a significant milestone with a focus on innovation, digitalization, and sustainability.
In 2024, the discussions began in Peru under the theme of “Empower, Include, Grow,” emphasizing inclusive and interconnected growth, digitalization, and sustainable development. These dialogues culminated in the Leaders’ declaration in Lima three weeks ago, highlighting a commitment to a resilient global economy.
As the APEC conversation shifts across the Pacific to Korea, it’s noteworthy that the last APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting took place in Busan in 2005, where a key outcome was the Busan Roadmap aimed at promoting free trade.
While trade and investment liberalization were the primary focus two decades ago, today’s APEC agenda encompasses broader issues. New challenges like climate change and technological advancements require a unified response from APEC economies. The Putrajaya Vision 2040 reflects this shift, expanding APEC’s focus to include innovation, digitalization, and sustainable growth as essential drivers of economic development.
Korea has chosen the theme, “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,” for APEC 2025. This theme aims to foster an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific region, in line with the aspirations outlined in the Putrajaya Vision.
The pursuit of a sustainable future is at the forefront of Korea’s agenda, focusing on three key policy priorities: Connect, Innovate, Prosper.
Connect
The first priority, Connect, aims to enhance physical, institutional, and interpersonal exchanges within the region, fostering a resilient Asia-Pacific. The rise of protectionism and fragmented supply chains pose threats to free trade and investment, with warnings from the IMF indicating potential global economic losses exceeding seven percent. Strengthening the multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core, remains vital.
Institutional connectivity will drive efficiency and innovation. Efforts will be directed towards developing a new APEC Agenda for Structural Reform, while fostering people-to-people exchanges, particularly in science, will be crucial for deeper integration.
Innovate
The second focus, innovation, will prioritize digital advancements to enhance the competitiveness of the Asia-Pacific economy. Bridging the digital divide and fostering an inclusive technology ecosystem are essential to ensure that advancements benefit everyone.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming business, work, and social connections. As discussions on AI governance unfold globally, Korea proposes engaging APEC economies in dialogue to enable safe and inclusive AI use that benefits the region.
Prosper
The third priority, Prosper, addresses global challenges including climate change, energy issues, health, food security, and demographic shifts. This initiative aims to empower vulnerable groups such as women, small enterprises, and people with disabilities to participate actively in the economy.
Korea will initiate dialogue on the impact of declining birth rates and aging populations, issues that some economies face now and others will confront in the future. This trend affects the labor force and social equity, underscoring the need for sustainable economic growth.
As Korea takes the lead in hosting APEC once again, it aims to tackle emerging challenges, contribute to long-term regional vision, and promote prosperity across the Asia-Pacific.
