THESE past few weeks, we witnessed a melodrama in the political scene. People now are confused and are fussing about the game plan of some aspiring candidates for next year’s election. I guess it’s not something we want to hear and know before the week ends.
Some of us, if not all, are familiar with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC. What about it?
If you want good news, then I believe this is one of it.
APEC is a regional economic forum established in 1989. It aims to create greater prosperity for the people of the region by promoting balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative, and secure growth and by accelerating regional economic integration.
It ensures that goods, services, investments and people move easily across borders. Members facilitate this trade through faster customs procedures at borders; more favorable business climates behind the border; and aligning regulations and standards across the region.
The Philippines became a member during the APEC Ministerial Meeting on Nov. 6 and 7, 1989 in Canberra, Australia.
Recently, APEC concluded the Economic Leader’s Meeting by adopting a declaration that incorporates policy actions formulated to respond to COVID-19. The theme was “Join, Work, Grow Together.”
The declaration is committed in accelerating economic recovery and achieving sustainable and inclusive growth, including further actions in tackling climate change, empowering groups with untapped economic potential, supporting the region’s micro, small and medium enterprises, and addressing the digital divide.
Additionally, young delegates joined in the discussion on issues covering the impact of COVID-19, the digital future, climate change and sustainability, and socio-economic inclusion.
To address such issues, they suggested that leaders build resilience and ensure equal access to vital medical resources; improve access to education via technology; push ahead with sustainability and develop connectivity; and ensure the wellbeing of the environment, society, and future generations.
These youths deserve to be commended for their initiative. Their ideas include the creation of emergency fund to provide financial support to members during future pandemics, and developing a common set of pandemic protocols.
These youths are learning from our experiences now that could be used in the future. That’s why some of them suggested regarding digital future on overcoming coverage and affordability issues to improve digital connectivity and literacy as well as holding technology companies accountable, and establishing independent fact-checkers to combat disinformation.
Moreover, they suggested to invest more in research and development, to allow a shift away from unsustainable materials, to develop carbon capture technology, to create circular economy, and to push waste management by observing the three Rs – reduce, reuse, and recycle – process.
A lot of things are taking place now and are shaking up whatever is left for us to be resilient. And this is something relevant. It’s good to know that we still have this kind of initiative that could protect the entire globe not just for today but also for the future.
This has contributed much in our environment and economic opportunities. Thus, APEC is becoming more important to our country. It could help us make progress especially in our trade negotiations and shaping our business setting./PN
