Towards a consolidation of inter-regional diplomacy

Social field

Social issues could not be absent from this Declaration, even if it is primarily and specifically focused on economic items.The APEC Leaders considerations in this field deserve to be reproduced in toto. They recognize that long-term economic growth can only be achieved through realising the full potential of society. They welcome the continued efforts to use a gender mainstreaming approach in relevant APEC processes and accelerate the full implementation of the La Serena Roadmap for Women and Inclusive Growth (2019 – 2030). They are committed to building an environment where all, including MSMEs and women, are empowered to access economic opportunities and contribute to and benefit from economy.

Building on these initiatives, APEC Leaders encourage further efforts to expand APEC's work with other groups with untapped economic potential, such as Indigenous Peoples as appropriate, people with disabilities, and those from remote and rural communities, while also promoting the role of youth in advancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth. APEC will place a special emphasis on human resource development, particularly access to resources, reskilling, upskilling, lifelong learning, and other support, to advance employment and decent work for all as well as enable workforce to participate and lead in the digital and green economies.

Negative phenomena are not omitted to be mentioned. APEC Leaders recognized the detrimental impact of corruption on economic growth and development and they are committed to taking practical actions and a united approach, to jointly fight cross-border corruption and deny safe haven to corruption offenders and their illicit assets.

Future and past

Special emphasis is put in the Declaration on some future actions. For instance, the APEC Leaders reiterated their commitment to expedite the realisation of the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040, including through the Aotearoa Plan of Action. In this endeavour, it is necessary to improve APEC's governance and organisational structure, with a view to efficiently and effectively delivering upon all elements of the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 and deepen engagement with stakeholders, including the ABAC, and international and regional organisations.

Current candidates for admission to APEC are : India,Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Macau,] Mongolia, Laos, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama and Ecuador.

As far as past APEC events are concerned, the Leaders welcomed the positive outcomes of the 2022 APEC Ministerial Meeting, as well as the 2022 Sectoral Ministerial Meetings for Trade, Tourism, Health, Forestry, Food Security, Women and the Economy, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Finance.

Finally, the APEC Leaders thanked Thailand for hosting APEC in 2022, looking forward to APEC 2023, which will be hosted by the United States of America and they also welcomed Peru and the Republic of Korea as hosts of APEC 2024 and 2025, respectively.

A question remained without answer in the Declaration. Can APEC be enlarged in the future ? Informal diplomatic materials provide some preliminary information on the matter..

Conclusion

Australia is a founding father of APEC established in 1989.Today, APEC's member economies comprise around three quarters of Australia's trade. From a diplomatic evaluation, it appears that this forum provides Australia with an important seat at the negotiation table to shape Asia-Pacific region's economic future.