Source: Government of the Republic of Korea
Distinguished Economic Leaders of the APEC members,
I hope you enjoyed the Korean cuisine
and cultural performances
presented at last night’s Gala Dinner.
In line with the theme of yesterday’s performance,
today we will discuss our ‘Blueprint for a Sustainable Future.’
I trust the performance yesterday offered valuable inspiration
for our discussions.
We will now begin the Retreat Session
of the ‘32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.’
Let me introduce today’s agenda.
For decades, APEC has served as an ‘incubator of ideas,’
offering solutions to the challenges facing the global economy.
Continuing that proud tradition,
I hope we can explore creative approaches today
to address two shared challenges —
artificial intelligence (AI) and demographic change.
We, APEC members, already possess
the potential and competence
to respond proactively
to the transformation that artificial intelligence brings.
According to one study,
five of the world’s top ten economies in AI capabilities
are APEC members,
and also four of the economies
with the highest number of AI-related patents
are all APEC members.
To turn this immense potential
into a driving force for shared prosperity,
there is a call to foster a socio-economic environment
conducive to AI innovation
and strengthen public–private collaboration
to support corporate creativity.
The Republic of Korea is channeling our capacity
into building a dynamic AI innovation ecosystem
and advancing a nationwide ‘AI Transformation.’
We are expanding infrastructure
such as large-scale AI data centers, and nurturing talent,
thereby cultivating a vibrant AI industrial ecosystem.
We are also leading regulatory improvements
to ensure that global companies can innovate freely.
Above all, our guiding principle
is the creation of an ‘AI Universal Basic Society’ —
an AI ecosystem that drives inclusive growth
and ensures ‘AI for all.’
Korea’s core vision
is to help to build a ‘Global AI Universal Basic Society’
where people everywhere can benefit from technological advances.
And we will pursue this vision step-by-step
through concrete policies.
The 「APEC AI Initiative」 which Korea has proposed
reflects our firm determination
to turn the transformative force of AI
into opportunities for all.
The ‘Asia-Pacific AI Center’
which Korea is working to establish
aims to facilitate AI-related policy exchanges
and narrow AI capability gaps across the region,
ultimately strengthening overall AI capacity in the region.
In this way,
Korea will work in solidarity and cooperation with APEC members
to turn boundless innovation into shared prosperity.
Another major challenge we face is the demographic change
brought about by declining birth rates and aging populations.
According to research by the APEC Secretariat,
the population growth rate of APEC member economies
has steadily declined over the past 30 years
and is projected to turn negative-
meaning the population will start to shrink-by 2035.
The share of those aged 65 and over
has doubled in roughly three decades,
while fertility rates fell from 2.5 in 1989 to 1.3 in 2023—nearly half.
Demographic change poses a profound challenge
that affects all aspects of society—
from economic growth
and labor markets to education and welfare.
It is too serious and too far-reaching
to be resolved through partial or one-dimensional measures.
To seek a collective response at the APEC level,
Korea has proposed
the 「APEC Collaborative Framework for Demographic Changes」.
From fostering ‘inclusive growth’ for future generations
to exploring AI-based solutions to demographic change,
I look forward to working together on innovative ideas.
To respond to the significant tides
of AI and demographic change,
we must secure new engines of growth.
Korea sees the cultural and creative industries
as a key driver of future growth.
The Asia-Pacific region
already serves as a growth engine
for the cultural and creative industries,
accounting for 40 percent
of global cultural and creative industry exports in 2022.
Reflecting this momentum,
APEC hosted its first-ever ‘High-Level Dialogue
on the Cultural and Creative Industries’ this year.
The creativity and the power of exchanges inherent in culture
extend beyond economic value:
they foster and strengthen mutual understanding and solidarity
among members.
The growth of the cultural industries
will undoubtedly contribute to
the realization of this year’s APEC priorities:
‘Connect, Innovate, Prosper.’
This brings me to the agenda for today’s session.
Today, we will discuss ‘Preparing a Future-Ready Asia-Pacific.’
Together, we will explore ways
to sustain the dynamism of our region
and to create new engines for growth
amid these emerging trends—artificial intelligence,
demographic change, and the cultural and creative industries.
I invite you to share your views
on how APEC can coordinate efforts
and parts played to strengthen the capacities of all actors
spanning our economies.
I look forward to your valuable insights.
With this I conclude my Opening Remarks.