Senior officials from APEC member economies have convened in Gyeongju to set key priorities for 2025, focusing on regional connectivity, innovation, and inclusive prosperity. APEC SOM Chair Yoon Seongmee led the First Senior Officials Meeting (SOM1) and related discussions from February 24 to March 9. As this year’s host economy, South Korea has highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) cooperation and responses to demographic shifts as major agenda items.
Kicking off the meeting, Ambassador Yoon highlighted the need for collective efforts to tackle global challenges. Calling this a crucial time for the region, she stressed that APEC’s policies are designed to benefit all member economies. With strong engagement from the 21 APEC members—including the United States, Japan, Korea, China, and Russia—the discussions focus on navigating the region through shifting economic and technological landscapes.
At the first APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM1) of 2025, South Korea emphasized two key priorities—artificial intelligence (AI) cooperation and responses to demographic shifts. Officials from 21 member economies engaged in discussions on these pressing issues, recognizing their widespread impact on the Asia-Pacific region. South Korea proposed guiding principles for responsible AI development, ensuring its benefits are distributed inclusively and sustainably.
Alongside AI, demographic challenges such as declining birth rates and aging populations were a major focus. South Korea introduced collaborative initiatives to turn these issues into opportunities for economic growth and social stability. APEC members expressed strong support for these priorities, acknowledging their relevance in shaping long-term regional strategies.
The meeting featured 24 sessions focused on trade, investment, the digital economy, and economic cooperation. Senior officials, policymakers, and industry leaders took part in the discussions. The APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meeting was held to address economic resilience and financial stability in the face of global uncertainties.
On the sidelines, South Korea held bilateral meetings with representatives from China, Japan, Russia, the U.S., Canada, and other nations, strengthening support for its leadership in shaping APEC’s 2025 agenda. A ‘Troika Meeting’ was also conducted with China and Peru, the upcoming and previous APEC hosts, to maintain continuity in APEC’s long-term initiatives.
Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, emphasized the importance of maintaining connectivity and collaboration in the face of economic uncertainty. He highlighted APEC’s role in facilitating trade and investment while addressing challenges such as AI governance and demographic shifts. The discussions in Gyeongju set the stage for further high-level engagements leading up to the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting later in the year.
In the next session on Sunday, senior officials will explore APEC’s strategies to enhance digital economy integration while addressing key challenges such as public health, food security, supply chain disruptions, and sustainable growth. Ambassador Yoon emphasized that this meeting lays the groundwork for ongoing discussions and concrete actions in the coming months. APEC will also hold multiple sectoral ministerial meetings throughout the year to shape future policy directions.
As part of its APEC 2025 preparations, South Korea introduced Gyeongju as the host city for the Economic Leaders’ Meeting in the second half of next year. Delegates praised its well-equipped venues, smooth organizational efforts, and warm hospitality. L
Korea will host SOM2 in Jeju (May) and SOM3 in Incheon (July-August), along with 11 ministerial meetings and two high-level dialogues on ocean affairs, human resources, education, and trade. By the final APEC meetings in October and November, coinciding with Leaders’ Week, South Korea aims to advance cooperation on AI and demographic challenges while reinforcing its leadership in global economic governance.
