In a landmark move, leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) wrapped up their two-day summit in Gyeongju by adopting the “Gyeongju Declaration”—a bold blueprint for deepening cooperation and charting a sustainable future.
The Declaration underscores a pivotal moment: with global trade facing headwinds and transformative technologies reshaping societies, APEC members are eyeing stronger, more inclusive growth. It calls for concrete actions—from easing trade barriers to promoting green supply chains—to ensure economic gains reach businesses and communities alike.
To turn ambition into action, the summit also saw the endorsement of two specialized frameworks:
- APEC Artificial Intelligence Initiative: This roadmap will guide responsible AI adoption across borders, boost collaboration between startups and research hubs, and equip the workforce with in-demand digital skills. Imagine a Jakarta-based health-tech team teaming up with data scientists in Vancouver to build a new AI-powered wellness app—this initiative aims to make that partnership smoother.
- APEC Collaborative Framework for Demographic Changes: With shifting age structures and migration patterns, this framework offers strategies to support aging communities, tap into youth employment, and craft migration policies that foster vibrant, diverse societies. For young professionals and digital nomads, it could mean more opportunities and easier mobility across the region.
Together, these agreements mark a fresh chapter in regional solidarity—one that invites governments, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to co-create solutions for shared prosperity. As the Gyeongju Declaration moves from paper to practice, the eyes of young global citizens, tech innovators, and sustainability advocates will be on APEC’s next steps.
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APEC leaders adopt joint declaration on deepening cooperation
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