As leaders convened at the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in the Republic of Korea this week, a fresh perspective emerged from young voices shaping the region's future. Navira Putri Apriliani, an Indonesian management consultant, emphasized the power of cultural understanding to bridge divides across APEC member economies during CGTN's 'Act To Action' campaign.
Apriliani, who participated in the APEC Voices of the Future program in Thailand last year, told KhabarAsia.com: 'Beyond trade agreements and policy debates, it’s the shared meals, local stories, and laughter between strangers that truly unite our region.' Her remarks align with this year’s APEC theme of 'Building a Sustainable Tomorrow – Connect, Innovate, Prosper,' which highlights interconnected growth strategies.
The campaign showcases youth perspectives on global governance, with Apriliani noting how her interactions with peers from 21 APEC members revealed 'common hopes for inclusive development.' Analysts suggest such grassroots exchanges could complement formal economic cooperation frameworks while resonating with Asia’s growing youth population.
As APEC members work to finalize regional sustainability roadmaps, Apriliani’s call for prioritizing human connections offers a timely reminder: lasting prosperity may depend as much on cultural empathy as on technological innovation.
