The AI Asia Pacific Institute (AIAPI) joined the first Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Senior Officials’ Meeting held in Guangzhou from 1–2 February 2026, where artificial intelligence was widely recognised as a core driver of economic growth and resilience across the region. As AI adoption accelerates, APEC economies are increasingly focused on ensuring that technological progress translates into inclusive and sustainable development.
The AIAPI actively participated in meetings of the Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI) and the Digital Economy Steering Group (DESG).
The APEC AI Initiative: Building Digitally Resilient Societies and AI Capacities at All Levels, introduced by Korea at the 2025 APEC meeting, underscores the importance of equipping people at all levels of society with the literacy, skills, and capabilities needed to participate meaningfully in an AI-driven economy. The discussions invited economies to share experiences on education, workforce training, public awareness, and targeted support for groups facing barriers to digital and AI access.
The discussions closely align with AIAPI’s ongoing work on AI-driven economic and workforce transformation, which focuses on preparing the workforce for structural change brought about by AI adoption. As APEC’s 2026 programme unfolds, AIAPI looks forward to continuing to contribute to upcoming discussions.
