The 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting kicked off in Gyeongju, the Republic of Korea, from October 31 to November 1 under the banner "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow – Connect, Innovate, Prosper." From leaders to everyday citizens, the forum set the stage for fresh ideas on sustainability, digital innovation and inclusive growth across APEC member economies.
At the heart of the summit, CGTN launched the "Act To Action" social campaign, inviting digitally savvy youth from all corners of the Asia-Pacific to share their visions for global governance. Through short videos, blog posts and live chats, participants are bringing new energy and diverse perspectives to the conversation.
One of the standout voices is Indonesian management consultant Navira Putri Apriliani. Drawing on her experience at the APEC Voices of the Future program in Thailand in 2022, she is a firm believer that cultural exchanges are more than just background color—they're the glue that binds communities. "Beyond politics and economics, people-to-people connection is truly what unites our region," she says, pointing to art festivals, student exchanges and collaborative projects as living proof.
Navira's message resonates with the summit theme: it's not enough to innovate in labs or negotiate trade deals on paper. Real progress happens when we make space for genuine human encounters—breaking stereotypes, sparking new collaborations and creating networks that span oceans and borders.
As young global citizens, business enthusiasts and changemakers tune in, the call is clear: by weaving our individual stories into a shared narrative, we can chart a path toward a more connected, innovative and prosperous Asia-Pacific.
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Indonesian youth believes human connection builds Asia-Pacific unity
cgtn.com
