Global Leaders Gather in Gyeongju... President Lee: "Korea Will Lead Multilateralism" [Gyeongju APEC]

President Lee Jaemyung Delivers Speech at APEC CEO Summit
Over 1,000 Representatives from Domestic and International Companies and Organizations Attend
"An Era of Rising Protectionism and National Interest First"
"Solidarity and Cooperation A

President Lee Jae-myung is delivering the keynote speech at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit (APEC CEO SUMMIT) held at the Hwarang Hall of the Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongbuk on the morning of the 29th. 2025.10.29 Photo by Kang Jinhyung

President Lee Jaemyung addressed global leaders gathered in Gyeongju for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on the 29th, declaring, "The Republic of Korea will lead the way in multilateral cooperation." President Lee pointed out that "protectionism and prioritizing national interests are on the rise," and pledged that Korea would focus on supply chain resilience, artificial intelligence (AI), and talent development.

During his speech at the 'APEC Chief Executive Officer Summit' held at the Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongbuk, President Lee stated, "There is a saying that a friend in need is a friend indeed," adding, "APEC has always joined hands in times of crisis, demonstrating that mutual trust is the shortcut to shared prosperity." He emphasized, "The Republic of Korea, which rallied APEC's united resolve 20 years ago, is once again taking the lead as the chair country, guiding the way for multilateral cooperation in the face of crisis."

This CEO Summit speech marked President Lee's first official APEC engagement. Around 1,000 participants attended the event, including approximately 600 representatives from Korean institutions and companies and 400 international guests. From Korea, senior officials from the presidential office and government, as well as leaders from the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Samsung Electronics, and other companies and related associations, were present. Internationally, executives from global companies such as Meta and Google, along with representatives from international organizations like the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), World Trade Organization (WTO), and World Bank, were also in attendance.

President Lee referenced the APEC summit held in Busan 20 years ago, noting, "The external environment surrounding APEC today is very different from back then." He continued, "With protectionism and national interest-first policies on the rise, immediate survival has become a pressing issue," expressing concern that "calls for cooperation, co-prosperity, and inclusive growth may sound hollow to some."

Lee: "Solidarity and cooperation are the path to a brighter future"

President Lee Jae-myung is delivering the keynote speech at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Chief Executive Officer Summit (APEC CEO SUMMIT) held at the Hwarang Hall of the Gyeongju Arts Center in Gyeongbuk on the morning of the 29th. 2025.10.29 Photo by Kang Jinhyung

As a solution, President Lee called for 'supply chain cooperation.' He explained, "The Republic of Korea, as a responsible global nation, will make significant contributions to restoring trust and cooperative links in the region," emphasizing that "supply chain cooperation is especially crucial." He also introduced the government's efforts, such as the enactment of the Supply Chain Stabilization Act in 2023 and the measures to strengthen human, material, and institutional connectivity decided at the trade ministers' meeting in May.

President Lee further stated, "Innovation is the foundation and core tool for future growth," analyzing that "AI is the key driver of innovation for sustainable development today." In particular, he said, "The Republic of Korea will propose an artificial intelligence initiative at this summit," expressing hope that "the vision of AI for all will become the new normal for APEC."

He also referenced Cheomseongdae in Gyeongju, describing it as "the oldest observatory in the East," and expressed confidence that "just as Cheomseongdae read the movement of the stars based on data, artificial intelligence, grounded in data, will become the engine of intelligence that offers humanity new insights and directions."

In the area of future talent development, President Lee declared, "We will not hesitate to fulfill our role as a leading nation that generously shares its experiences of economic growth and development." He noted, "In August this year, the Republic of Korea established the APEC Future Prosperity Fund and contributed 1 million dollars," adding, "We will prioritize support for five key areas, including knowledge exchange and digital capacity building for youth, as well as research, startup support, and basic training on core issues such as demographics and the environment."

Concluding his speech, President Lee stressed, "In times of crisis and uncertainty, unity and cooperation are the path that will lead us all to a brighter future," and urged, "I believe that the 2025 APEC, a stage for cooperation connecting four continents and 21 economies, will become a platform for all to leap into the future."