GYEONGJU, South Korea — Leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on Friday, Oct. 31, called for stronger cooperation and renewed commitment to free trade and economic resilience as they opened their two-day summit.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, host of this year’s forum, urged the 21 APEC member economies to unite amid growing global uncertainty, protectionist trade policies, and the rapid technological transformation driven by artificial intelligence.

“We all stand at a critical turning point as the international order undergoes rapid transformation,” he said in Korean in his opening address at the Hwabaek International Convention Center here.

“The free trade order is facing sweeping changes, and global economic uncertainty is intensifying, and the momentum for trade and investment is weakening,” he added.

Lee said the world’s major economies must strengthen solidarity to turn emerging challenges into opportunities.

“We cannot always share the same position, as each of us acts in pursuit of our own national interests. Yet we can stand together before the ultimate goal of achieving shared prosperity,” he said.

The first session of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, held under the theme “Towards a More Connected, Resilient Region and Beyond,” focused on how to make the Asia-Pacific region “more open, dynamic, and resilient,” according to South Korea’s presidential office.

Lee welcomed leaders and representatives from the 21 APEC member economies, guest nations, and international organizations, including President Marcos, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. US President Donald Trump, who attended a business forum earlier this week, left the country before the summit opened.

“President Lee will take on the role of a bridge for leaders to help build consensus on the need for closer cooperation,” the Blue House said in a statement.

“We aim to restore the region’s commitment to collaboration and explore concrete measures for APEC to remain the region’s key economic forum,” he added.

As the host, South Korea aims to conclude the summit with a “Gyeongju Declaration,” reflecting shared priorities in supply chain resilience, digital transition, and demographic shifts.

During the two sessions, leaders will review recommendations from their foreign and trade ministers, who earlier this week reported “broad agreement” on issues concerning supply chains, digital innovation, and environmental sustainability.

Throughout the summit, artificial intelligence and digital innovation have emerged as central themes. Lee said the ongoing technological revolution brings both “unprecedented crises and opportunities,” calling for cooperation and solidarity as the surest path forward.

“The path to a better future lies in unity, not division,” Lee said.

“Our region must show that cooperation remains the strongest engine of prosperity,” he added.

The 2025 APEC summit in Gyeongju gathers leaders from 21 Pacific Rim economies representing nearly half of global trade. President Marcos earlier emphasized the importance of digital transformation and inclusive growth during the week’s discussions.

A final Leaders’ Declaration is expected at the conclusion of the summit, summarizing the region’s collective commitment to open markets, innovation, and sustainable development.