As the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting approaches, young voices like Navira Putri Apriliani, an Indonesian management consultant, are urging the forum to prioritize youth-driven innovation and cross-border collaboration. The October 31-November 1 gathering in Gyeongju, the Republic of Korea, carries the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow – Connect, Innovate, Prosper,” resonating with Asia’s next generation of leaders.
Navira, a veteran of APEC’s Voices of the Future program and the 2022 CEO Summit, views the platform as a catalyst for regional unity. “APEC isn’t just about economics—it’s about creating shared solutions,” she says. Her experience collaborating with peers across APEC economies has reinforced her belief in youth potential to address challenges like climate action and digital inequality.
With Indonesia set to host APEC in 2025, Navira emphasizes the need for structured youth engagement: “We need mentorship programs and funding mechanisms that turn ideas into scalable projects.” Her vision aligns with growing calls for APEC to formalize youth representation in policymaking, ensuring the region’s 660 million under-30s shape its economic future.
