APEC adopts regional AI agenda focused on connectivity, skills, and trusted AI
Asia-Pacific ministers have adopted a regional agenda on artificial intelligence that combines AI governance with digital connectivity, workforce development, cybersecurity, and support for businesses, as part of a broader strategy for economic growth and digital resilience.
Ministers from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum have endorsed the 2026 Digital and AI Ministerial Statement, establishing a regional framework to support the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across member economies. The agenda positions AI as a key enabler of economic development, while emphasising the importance of digital infrastructure, skills development, online safety, and international cooperation.
The statement encourages the responsible deployment of AI across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and public services. It also calls for greater investment in secure, affordable, and reliable internet connectivity, particularly for rural, remote, and underserved communities. Member economies are committed to strengthening cooperation on next-generation telecommunications networks, satellite connectivity, cross-border data flows, and resilient digital infrastructure.
A central objective of the agenda is to improve access to AI technologies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Ministers agreed to promote the development and adoption of affordable, locally relevant AI tools that support regional languages and reflect the economic needs of individual economies. Increased investment in digital infrastructure, energy systems, start-ups, and access to finance is expected to support these efforts.
Workforce development and digital literacy also feature prominently in the plan. APEC members committed to expanding digital education, vocational training, public awareness initiatives, and AI literacy programmes, including for policymakers. The framework also promotes voluntary knowledge sharing and technical assistance to help economies with more limited resources strengthen their AI capabilities.
The ministerial statement further addresses growing concerns related to cybersecurity and digital trust. Member economies agreed to strengthen collaboration with industry, civil society, and technical organisations to address data breaches, online fraud, supply chain security, privacy protection, and child online safety. The agenda also encourages technology companies to improve accountability, supports trusted open-source AI initiatives with appropriate security safeguards, and reaffirms the importance of protecting personal data and intellectual property rights.
The commitments outlined in the statement form part of the broader APEC Artificial Intelligence Initiative 2026–2030, with further discussions on implementation expected at the next ministerial meeting in Vietnam in 2027.
Why does this matter?
The APEC agenda reflects a regional approach that views AI as one component of broader digital transformation rather than as a standalone technology policy. By linking AI adoption with connectivity, digital skills, cybersecurity, and support for smaller businesses, the framework seeks to address the practical conditions needed for AI deployment across economies with varying levels of digital development. Although the commitments are voluntary, the agenda establishes a common reference point for regional cooperation on AI governance and digital inclusion.
