At the 2025 APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, President Lee Jae Myung chaired a session focusing on AI advancements and demographic shifts from low birthrates and aging. Leaders are set to adopt the 'Gyeongju Declaration' to foster inclusive growth. The session will conclude with a handover of chairmanship to Chinese President Xi Jinping and a press conference.
On November 1, 2025, the second session, known as the Retreat, of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting took place at the Hwabaek International Convention Center in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. President Lee Jae Myung chaired the session under the theme 'Preparing a Future-Ready Asia-Pacific,' focusing on two key regional challenges: the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and demographic shifts from low birthrates and aging populations.
In his opening remarks, President Lee praised the AI capabilities of APEC member economies, noting a study that found five of the world's top ten AI-capable countries are APEC members, and all leading nations in AI-related patents are also members. He emphasized creating an AI-friendly socioeconomic environment and promoting public-private cooperation to support corporate creativity. 'The key principle is to build an AI-based society that drives inclusive growth — artificial intelligence for all,' Lee said.
On demographic issues, Lee stated: 'Demographic changes pose a serious and far-reaching challenge that affects the economy, labor market, education, and welfare systems — a problem too complex to be addressed by individual efforts alone.' He proposed establishing a Joint Framework on Responding to Demographic Change within APEC and expressed hope that member economies would collaborate through innovative ideas, from fostering inclusive growth embracing future generations to developing AI-based strategies for population challenges.
According to the presidential office, the 'APEC Leaders’ Gyeongju Declaration' is expected to be adopted in the latter half of the Retreat, along with two additional documents on AI and demographic transformation. Lee will then formally hand over the APEC chairmanship to Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will host next year's summit. Following a group photo, Lee is scheduled to hold a press conference as APEC chair to highlight the event's achievements. The session occurs amid US-China trade tensions, with leaders striving for consensus on free trade and multilateralism.
