The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit will be held in San Francisco, the city of innovation and diversity, for the first time in 2023. The summit, which will run from November 13 to 20, will be a hybrid event, mixing virtual and in-person meetings, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the travel restrictions.The theme of the APEC 2023 is “Reimagining the Future: A New Era of Growth and Opportunity”. The United States, as the host economy, has set three policy priorities for the summit: promoting innovation and digitalization, advancing sustainability and resilience, and fostering inclusivity and equity. The summit will also follow up on the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040, a new long-term vision for the region that was endorsed by the APEC leaders in 2021.The APEC summit will gather leaders and ministers from the 21 member economies, as well as representatives from the business sector, the civil society, and the academia. The summit will offer a series of high-level meetings, dialogues, and forums, covering topics such as trade and investment, energy, food security, women and economy, small and medium enterprises, and disaster management.One of the most awaited events of the summit is the meeting between President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping, which will be the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since the start of the Biden administration. The meeting, which will take place on the sidelines of the virtual summit, is expected to address the issues and challenges in the bilateral relationship, such as trade, climate change, human rights, and regional security. The meeting is seen as a vital opportunity to ease the tensions and enhance the cooperation between the two largest economies in the world.The APEC summit will also showcase San Francisco’s role and potential as a hub for innovation and diversity in the Asia-Pacific region. The city, which is home to many leading technology companies and startups, as well as a vibrant and diverse community, will host various cultural and social events to highlight its achievements and aspirations. The city will also implement strict health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of the participants and the public.The APEC summit in San Francisco will be a significant and successful event that will demonstrate the collective leadership and commitment of the Asia-Pacific region to overcome the global challenges and seize the opportunities of the 21st century. It will also highlight the role and vision of the United States as a partner for peace and prosperity in the region and the world.
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About the Author: Joe Trinder
Ngāti awa journalist and film maker based in Kirikiriroa Hamilton.