Korea to Host the APEC High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy for the First Time

- Senior officials from 21 member economies and business leaders to attend, strengthening health–economy cooperation across the Asia–Pacific -

- Working toward a shared vision: “Building a Healthy, Smart and Aging-Responsive Society -

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, Minister Jeong Eun Kyeong) announced that the 15th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy (HLMHE) will be held on Monday–Tuesday, September 15–16 at The Shilla Seoul. The meeting will bring together delegations from all 21 APEC member economies.* This marks the first time that Korea will host the HLMHE.

* Asia: Korea, China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Viet Nam, BruneiAmericas: United States, Canada, Chile, PeruOceania and others: Australia, Papua New Guinea, Russia

(Note: APEC uses the term “member economies” as participants join in that capacity rather than as countries.)

As the host economy for APEC 2025, Korea will convene this ministerial-level meeting, with Minister Jeong Eun Kyeong presiding as Chair. Approximately 480 participants are expected to attend, including ministers and vice ministers, from all 21 member economies as well as representatives from international organizations including the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WHO WPRO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), along with business leaders.

The meeting will be held in conjunction with the World Bio Summit 2025,* fostering policy-industry collaboration and providing a platform to further enhance Korea’s international standing in the health and biotechnology sectors.

* World Bio Summit: An international forum launched in 2022 by the Korean government and the WHO, where global leaders in health and biotechnology—including ministers and vice ministers of health, heads of international organizations, CEOs from the vaccine and biotech industries, and leading experts—gather to discuss global health agendas.

At this year’s meeting, discussions will be held under the theme “Innovate, Connect, Prosper: Building a Healthy, Smart and Aging-Responsive Society,” focusing on three key agenda items: (1) Digital Health, (2) Healthy Aging, and (3) Mindful Youth. Member economies will share their policies and experiences in addressing health challenges across the Asia-Pacific region and explore collaborative solutions.

The meeting will officially begin with a welcome reception at 6:00 p.m. on September 15, followed by the plenary session starting at 9:00 a.m. on September 16.

In the Digital Health session, participants will examine the transformative potential of digital health technologies and AI in improving healthcare delivery and advancing the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Under the theme “Harnessing AI for Future-Ready Health Systems,” they will review real-world applications of AI in healthcare and work toward regional consensus on its responsible adoption—addressing key issues such as appropriate regulatory frameworks, ethical guidelines, and policy incentives.

In the Healthy Aging session, recognizing the major demographic shifts in the Asia-Pacific—driven by persistently low birth rates and rapid population aging—participants will explore strategies under the theme “Promoting Healthy and Active Aging in APEC” to help older adults maintain good health and remain active in their communities.

In the Mindful Youth session, participants will examine the changing social environment in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the overwhelming flow of digital information, which have brought youth mental health issues to the forefront as an emerging challenge. They will discuss the importance of school-, family-, and community-based support systems spanning prevention through crisis response, and explore ways to strengthen access to everyday mental health services by leveraging AI and digital technologies. Participants will also share recent research highlighting the potential effectiveness of digital therapeutics, along with real-world examples of how the public is using AI-powered applications and digital tools to support mental well-being in daily life.

The official luncheon will be hosted by the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). Featuring opening remarks by Lee Kyu-ho, Vice Chairman of Kolon and Chair of the inaugural ABAC Biohealthcare Working Group, as well as invited speakers, the luncheon will include discussions on the future of digital health driven by data and AI. Korea will continue to work closely with ABAC to ensure that the priorities of the biohealth industry are reflected in APEC’s main agenda.

Concurrently with the APEC HLMHE, 21 affiliated events will be organized by Korean and international companies and organizations, offering opportunities to share policies and promote initiatives. Participants will not only engage in in-depth discussions on each agenda item and explore policy directions, but also have the opportunity to experience cutting-edge healthcare innovations integrating AI and digital technologies, gaining insights into global industry trends.

On Day 2 (September 16), a side event will feature the launch of the Cervical Cancer Elimination Roadmap*, which was endorsed by all 21 member economies at the Health Working Group meeting held in Incheon in August. Incorporating best practices** from Korea and other economies, the roadmap outlines collective policy commitments and is expected to serve as a foundation for improving women’s health across the APEC region.

* Targets by 2030: 90% HPV vaccination coverage among girls under 15; 70% high-performance screening coverage for women at ages 35 and 45; and 90% treatment coverage for women diagnosed with cervical disease (90% of precancerous lesions treated and 90% of invasive cancer cases managed)

** Example from Korea: A free HPV vaccination program for girls aged 12 and above

The meeting will conclude on September 16 with the adoption of a Joint Statement, followed by a joint APEC–World Bio Summit dinner, further strengthening international cooperation on health and the economy across the region.

Minister Jeong Eun Kyeong stated, “I am pleased that, through the integration of health and the economy, we can explore ways to advance cooperation for a healthy and sustainable future for the Asia–Pacific region. Korea will continue to lead regional cooperation and global solidarity.”

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