About APEC 2025 KOREA

The 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting Adopts the “APEC Leaders’ Gyeongju Declaration,” “APEC AI Initiative,” and “APEC Collaborative Framework for Demographic Changes” — APEC Reaches First-Ever Consensus on AI Cooperation and Response to Demographic Changes, and Articulates the Need for Cooperation in the Cultural and Creative Industries —   Under the chairmanship of President Lee Jae Myung, the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting was held in Gyeongju from October 31 (Friday) to November 1 (Saturday). At the meeting, APEC leaders adopted three outcome documents: the “APEC Leaders’ Gyeongju Declaration”, the “APEC AI Initiative”, and the “APEC Collaborative Framework for Demographic Changes”.   The “APEC Leaders’ Gyeongju Declaration”, which reflects the three APEC 2025 priorities — Connect, Innovate, Prosper — comprehensively addressed APEC’s core agenda items, including trade and investment, digital and innovation, and inclusive growth. It also encapsulated the shared understanding and commitment of member economies to cooperate on artificial intelligence (AI) and responses to demographic changes.   The Declaration is significant in that, amid growing uncertainty in the global economy, all APEC member economies proposed a direction for comprehensive cooperation on key global economic issues such as trade. This outcome is seen as a meaningful step in restoring solidarity and cooperation within APEC, laying the foundation for joint efforts toward shared prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.   Notably, the Declaration recognized the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) as a new growth engine for the Asia-Pacific region and articulated the need for cooperation in this field. As the first APEC leaders’ declaration to explicitly mention cultural and creative industries, it marks an important milestone for K-culture to become a key driver of regional growth.   The “APEC AI Initiative” aims to ensure that all member economies participate in the AI transformation process and share the benefits of AI development. It includes major elements such as: - fostering economic growth through AI innovation, - enhancing capacity and spreading the benefits of AI, and - expanding private investment in resilient AI infrastructure.   As the first APEC leaders-level consensus on AI, with participation from both the United States and the People’s Republic of China, the “APEC AI Initiative” represents APEC’s first joint vision on AI. It reflects the Korean Government’s core AI policy principles— including the realization of an “AI Universal Basic Society” and the establishment of an “Asia-Pacific AI Center” — and reflects concrete measures for AI cooperation.   The “APEC Collaborative Framework for Demographic Changes” was developed based on a shared understanding that demographic changes, characterized by declining birth rates and aging populations are common challenges across the region. The framework presents five key areas of policy direction and cooperation: 1. Building a resilient system; 2. Modernizing human resources development; 3. Advancing technology-supported health and care services; 4. Promoting economic empowerment and participation of all; and 5. Strengthening regional dialogue and cooperation.   As APEC’s first comprehensive initiative on cooperation to address demographic changes, the framework lays the groundwork for turning demographic challenges into new opportunities for growth by strengthening youth capacity, responding to industrial transitions, and advancing technological innovation. Korea will continue to lead regional cooperation by hosting the “APEC Population Policy Forum” next year.   As the 2025 APEC host economy, Korea presided over 14 ministerial meetings throughout the year and led intensive consultations and negotiations among member economies — including the United States, China, Japan, and the Russian Federation — to bridge differences and finalize all three outcome documents.   The 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju established a new milestone for cooperation toward shared goals of inclusive and sustainable growth, prosperity through innovation, and strengthened collective resilience to global challenges. End.

APEC’s New Leap Forward, Led by Korea and Watched by the World — Readout of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting Retreat (November 1) —   President Lee Jae Myung presided over the ‘Retreat’ session on the second day (November 1, Saturday) of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, following the 'Informal Dialogue with Guests' held on October 31, Friday. ※ The 'Retreat' session is designed to promote candid and in-depth exchanges among APEC Leaders in a free and informal setting that strengthens ties among members.   The Retreat session was attended exclusively by APEC member Leaders. They exchanged views on ways for APEC to maintain the region’s dynamism and create new growth drivers amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), demographic changes, and the expansion of the cultural and creative industries.   In his opening remarks, President Lee emphasized that the Asia-Pacific region already possesses the potential to proactively respond to the changes brought by the AI and to build a foundation for innovation and prosperity. He stressed the need to foster an enabling environment for AI innovation and promote public–private cooperation to realize this potential.   President Lee underscored that Korea will make realizing a global “AI Universal Basic Society” as its core vision and implement related policies to ensure that all people can benefit from the advancement of AI technology. He emphasized that the APEC AI Initiative, proposed by Korea, reflects its commitment to turning AI, a major change, into an opportunity, and that the “Asia-Pacific AI Center” will contribute to strengthening AI capabilities across the region.   President Lee also highlighted that demographic changes caused by declining birth rates and population aging have a profound impact on all sectors of society—including economic growth, labor markets, education, and welfare—and called for collective solutions at the APEC level. He proposed that APEC economies work together on shared challenges, from inclusive growth that embraces future generations to AI-driven responses to demographic issues.   At the same time, President Lee underscored the cultural and creative industries as a new growth engine. He noted that the creativity and power of cultural exchange extend beyond economic value and can significantly contribute to this year’s three APEC priorities of “Connect, Innovate, Prosper.”   Following President Lee’s proposal, APEC Leaders adopted three outcome documents: the “APEC Leaders’ Gyeongju Declaration,” the “APEC AI Initiative,” and the “APEC Collaborative Framework for Demographic Changes.”   President Lee then handed over the APEC Chairmanship to Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressing Korea’s full support for China’s successful hosting of next year’s APEC meetings.   In closing, President Lee emphasized that peace is essential for achieving connectivity, innovation, and prosperity, and noted that peace on the Korean Peninsula is key to prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. He concluded the meeting by affirming that the Korean government will take proactive measures to maintain peace and called on APEC members for the support and cooperation. END.

President Lee Jae Myung to Chair the APEC Economic Leaders’ Retreat – Discussing AI, Demographic Change, and Cultural and Creative Industries to Prepare for the Future –   President Lee Jae Myung will chair the second session of the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, the Retreat, on the morning of Saturday, November 1, in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea.   The Retreat session provides an opportunity for APEC Leaders to discuss regional issues in an informal and open setting, under the theme “Preparing a Future-Ready Asia-Pacific.”   In particular, two major challenges shared by the Asia-Pacific region—AI advancement and demographic change due to declining birth rates and population aging—were adopted as official agenda items for this year’s meeting at Korea’s proposal. Through this session, President Lee aims to present a shared vision for sustainable prosperity and lead discussions on tangible measures to deepen cooperation among member economies in the era of technological and demographic transformation. Importantly, the discussion will also explore inclusive growth strategies to strengthen the capacity of all economic actors and ensure that the benefits of growth are broadly shared across society.   In the latter part of the Retreat, leaders are expected to formally adopt the “APEC Leaders’ Gyeongju Declaration” summarizing the year’s discussions, along with two outcome documents related to AI and demographic change.   At the conclusion of the session, President Lee will officially hand over the APEC presidency to President Xi Jinping of China, the next host economy. Korea will continue to work closely with China to ensure that this year’s key achievements are sustained and further developed in the year ahead.   Following the handover ceremony, leaders will take a group photo, wearing modern reinterpretations of traditional Hanbok scarves, symbolizing the harmony between Korea’s traditional beauty and the aesthetic beauty of Hangeul.   Finally, in his capacity as Chair of the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, President Lee will hold a press conference to highlight the major outcomes and significance of this year’s AELM and outline the future direction for regional cooperation.

APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting Gala Dinner for APEC 2025 KOREA - A Night of Harmony Blending Silla Culture, K-Culture, and Future Technology   On the night of Friday, October 31, President Lee Jae-myung and the First Lady will host an APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting Gala Dinner at Lahan Select Gyeongju for approximately 400 distinguished guests, including leaders and spouses from the 21 APEC member economies and invited economies, as well as representatives from international organizations, global CEOs, and other prominent domestic and international figures attending the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.   This Gala Dinner will feature a harmonious fusion of Korean and Western cuisine, developed by world-renowned Chef Edward Lee. The courses are designed to capture both the traditional flavors and modern sensibilities of Korea.   Dishes such as namul bibimbap and galbijjim, made with locally sourced ingredients from Gyeongju, will be complemented by Western offerings such as pies and caramel dessert, showcasing both the spirit of unity across the Asia-Pacific region and the richness of Korean culinary culture.   Following the dinner, a cultural performance titled “Journey of Butterfly: Together, We Fly” will take place. The performance consists of three acts—Past, Present, and Future—tracing the rich history of the Silla Kingdom, the vibrant present of K-Culture, and the future vision symbolized by AI and robotics. Through this performance, Korea will convey the message of “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,” amid growing global uncertainty, through Korea’s culture and technology. The performance will feature G-Dragon, Honey J and Leejung, and 11-year-old violinist Kim Yeon-ah.   - (Act 1) The First Flutter—A daegeum performance by Kim Kee-yeub of the National Gugak Center, together with the National Dance Company of Korea’s original choreography “The Butterfly Dance,” revives the spirit of harmony and peace of the Silla Kingdom. - (Act 2) Beyond the Wind—The beatbox crew Desire, street dancers Honey J, Leejung, and HolyBang, and K-pop artist G-DRAGON portray a butterfly overcoming fierce winds and storms of adversity, symbolizing the search for new order amid the conflicts and inequalities of modern society. - (Act 3) Tiny Wings, Big Change— The quadruped companion robot “Spot” and young violinist Kim Yeon-ah perform together, expressing a future shaped through harmony between humans and technology. The APEC Project Children’s Choir, composed of 24 children from around the world, sings “Fly as One,” delivering a heartfelt message of peace and unity.   Meanwhile, in the Leaders’ Lounge, a special exhibition will showcase representative cultural artworks of the Silla, including Gold Foil Engraved with Paired Doves and Floral Motifs from Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, Gyeongju, Corner Pillar from Square Stone Chamber Tomb in Gujeong-dong, Gyeongju, and Gold Earrings from the Bomundong Double-burial Tomb, Gyeongju, highlighting the refined craftsmanship and metalworking techniques that embody the artistic mastery of ancient Silla.   This official gala dinner, held in Gyeongju—the ancient capital of a thousand years of Silla— is expected to serve as a meaningful occasion that brings together Korea’s culture and heritage with the spirit of cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region.   Enclosure: Detailed Menu and Cultural Performance Program.