2025 APEC Summit Unites Asia-Pacific Leaders to Tackle Regional Challenges

The 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit concluded in Gyeongju, South Korea, on November 1, bringing together leaders from 21 member economies to address pressing regional challenges. Under the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow," the summit focused on enhancing connectivity, fostering innovation, and promoting shared prosperity.

A significant outcome of the summit was the endorsement of the APEC Artificial Intelligence (AI) Initiative (2026-2030). This initiative aims to advance AI innovation, promote secure and reliable AI ecosystems, and encourage AI development and adoption across member economies. The strategic goals include fostering resilient economic growth through AI, increasing member economies' participation in AI transformation, and encouraging investment in sustainable AI infrastructure. Read more

In his opening remarks, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung highlighted the summit's significance, stating, "The free trade system is experiencing strong turbulence, global economic uncertainty is deepening, and momentum for trade and investment is weakening." He emphasized the need for cooperation and solidarity to navigate these challenges. Read more

Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to defend global free trade and multilateralism, emphasizing the importance of maintaining supply chain stability and expanding cooperation in green industries. Read more

The summit also addressed demographic challenges through the APEC Collaborative Framework for Demographic Changes. This framework aims to build resilient systems, promote high-quality employment, and enhance policy support to increase labor force participation in response to declining birth rates and aging populations. Read more

Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump was absent from the main summit sessions, having departed South Korea early after preliminary trade discussions with President Xi. This absence drew attention to shifting dynamics within APEC and the broader implications for global trade relations. Read more

The summit concluded with the adoption of the 2025 APEC Leaders’ Gyeongju Declaration, reaffirming the commitment to building a sustainable, interconnected future that embraces digital innovation and ensures broad-based growth. Read more

The 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju underscored the region's proactive stance in addressing technological and demographic challenges. Through initiatives like the APEC AI Initiative and the Collaborative Framework for Demographic Changes, member economies demonstrated a commitment to sustainable development and shared prosperity in an evolving global landscape.