Korea Sets the Stage for a Resilient, Innovative Future in the Asia-Pacific

The Republic of Korea is set to host the Third Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM3) and Related Meetings, aiming to drive critical policy discussions on regional economic integration, digital transformation, and sustainable growth. 

From 26 July to 15 August 2025, Incheon will be the focal point for around 5,000 delegates from 21 APEC economies as they participate in 200 sessions to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the region today.

Incheon, a city at the heart of Korea’s rapid economic and technological evolution, provides the perfect backdrop for these high-level deliberations. Known for its strategic location and modern infrastructure, the city has emerged as a global hub for innovation and international trade. Its role as a center for cutting-edge technologies and sustainable development makes it an ideal venue for discussions on the future of the Asia-Pacific region.

“We are at a critical juncture for the region,” said Ambassador Yoon Seong-mee, Chair of the 2025 APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting. “These discussions are not just about immediate policy shifts—they are about laying the groundwork for the future of the Asia-Pacific. Through APEC, we have a unique opportunity to drive innovation, strengthen trade links and build resilience against the shocks of the future.”

Under the overarching theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow,” this meeting cluster will explore critical issues that extend beyond traditional trade and investment including AI-driven growth, digital economy policies, food security and supply chain resilience. Building on the work plans and cooperative projects initiated earlier this year, members are expected to review progress and explore ways to deliver tangible outcomes ahead of the APEC Leaders’ Meeting later this year.  

The APEC High-Level Dialogue on Anti-Corruption Cooperation (AHDAC), Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting (DMM), Food Security Ministerial Meeting (FSMM), and the Women and the Economy Forum (WEF) are among the major events on the SOM3 agenda, where officials will align on policy frameworks that not only respond to the current needs of the Asia-Pacific but also anticipate the changes the region will face in the decades to come. 

To gather a broad range of private sector perspectives on Korea’s key deliverables for its 2025 APEC host year—namely, cooperation on AI and demographic change—public-private dialogues on both topics are also planned.

By addressing anti-corruption efforts and promoting transparency, the digital divide, advancing gender equality in the economy, and creating sustainable food systems, the meetings will underscore APEC’s commitment to a more inclusive, prosperous future. 

“The Asia-Pacific is navigating complex challenges, from digital disruption to demographic shifts,” said Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat. “The meetings at Incheon will provide a unique opportunity for APEC economies to collaborate on advancing AI, digital economy policies and responses to the pressing issue of demographic change. Our collective actions today will have a lasting impact on the region’s future resilience.”

The meetings will conclude on 15 August 2025 with a press conference at Songdo Convensia, where Ambassador Yoon and Executive Director Pedrosa will provide a summary of the outcomes and outline key priorities for APEC in the coming months.

“Korea’s role as host is about more than just convening these meetings,” concluded Ambassador Yoon. 

“It is about setting a clear vision for the future of APEC, one that ensures economic sustainability, fosters innovation and addresses the most urgent challenges of our time. We are excited to work together with all stakeholders to turn this vision into concrete actions that benefit the entire Asia-Pacific region.”

The dates for the APEC Economic Leaders' Week have also been announced, marking a key moment in the 2025 APEC calendar. The Concluding Senior Officials' Meeting will take place on 27-28 October, followed by the APEC Ministerial Meeting on 29-30 October and culminating with the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting on  31 October to 1 November. For more information, click here access the calendar via this link.