Gyeongju: The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders have adopted a joint declaration in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, following the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting held from October 31 to November 1, 2025. The declaration, known as the Gyeongju Declaration, outlines the shared objectives and priorities under the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow.”
According to Yonhap News Agency, the declaration focuses on three main priorities: Connect, Innovate, and Prosper. Leaders highlighted the significance of strengthening cooperation amidst global trading challenges and technological advancements, emphasizing the need for economic growth that benefits all member economies. The declaration reiterates APEC’s role as a premier forum for regional economic cooperation and an incubator of ideas, guided by the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040.
The first priority, “Connect,” aims to build the world’s most dynamic and interconnected regional economy. The declaration reaffirms the importance of robust trade and investment for the region’s prosperity and commits to deepening economic cooperation. It emphasizes enhancing the competitiveness of APEC economies, promoting trade facilitation efforts, and ensuring resilient supply chains through greater private sector engagement.
Under the “Innovate” priority, APEC leaders recognize the transformative potential of digital and AI-driven technologies. The declaration encourages member economies to share information on digital policies, bridge digital divides, and enhance trust in the digital ecosystem. It endorses the APEC AI Initiative to build AI capacities and foster regional cooperation, aiming for an inclusive AI-driven economy.
The “Prosper” priority addresses challenges and the equitable sharing of growth benefits. Leaders emphasize fostering an enabling business environment for MSMEs and startups, recognizing demographic changes, and collaborating on global challenges such as energy and food security. The declaration underscores the importance of building resilient, sustainable, and future-ready health systems, leveraging AI and digital health technologies.
Looking ahead, APEC leaders express gratitude to the Republic of Korea for hosting the 2025 meetings and acknowledge the outcomes as a basis for future cooperation. They look forward to upcoming APEC host years in China, Viet Nam, Mexico, Singapore, and other member economies.