The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Week (AELW) is currently taking place in San Francisco. The meeting includes senior U.S. officials, ministers, business leaders, and representatives from countries across the Asia-Pacific region, addressing economic, sustainability, and inclusivity goals per the U.S. Department of State report.

Before the San Francisco gathering, delegates attended a series of meetings in various U.S. locations, discussing diverse topics including supply chain resilience, emerging technology, clean energy, and gender equity. The conversations pointed towards an Asia-Pacific committed to the well-being of all its citizens, without leaving any demographic behind.

The U.S. Delegation features high-level representatives such as Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez. Additional topics discussed include city and state diplomacy, international disability rights, and labor rights, which contribute to the conversations during the AELW.

The 2023 APEC theme, "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All" underpins the event. The U.S. will soon transfer the APEC hosting duties to Peru for the 2024 meetings. This change reflects further progress in uniting the diverse voices of the Asia-Pacific towards a common, collaborative future.

Looking back at former APEC meetings, including the 2022 meetings in Hawaii, the organization has consistently prioritized sustainability, the digital economy, and regional integration. These values remain integral to the APEC community's longer-term goals. Given current challenges such as climate change and COVID-19, these principles are essential for the region's progress.

The APEC forum offers a platform for idea-sharing and strategy-building for joint progress.