The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) announced on Sept. 30 that the Republic of Korea has been elected as the Economy Chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Health Working Group (HWG) for a two-year term, from Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2027.
Korea earned broad support from member economies, building on the successful hosting of two HWG meetings, in March and August, and the High-Level Ministerial Meeting in September, as well as leading the adoption of a joint statement.
The APEC Health Working Group serves as a key consultative body in the health sector for the 21 member economies in the Asia-Pacific region.
It plays a central role in addressing major health issues, such as responding to public health crises within the region and strengthening healthcare systems, while seeking common policy directions.
MOHW Minster Jeong Eun-kyeong delivers a speech at a ceremony to open the APEC High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy.
Korea’s new responsibility reflects international recognition of its strong healthcare system, including achievements in universal health coverage and leadership in digital health and medical AI.
This also marks a milestone in Korea’s role in leading health cooperation within APEC over the next two years.
As the Economy Chair, Korea will propose key areas of cooperation including:
- Strengthening community-based primary healthcare
- Building universal health coverage systems through digital technologies
- Promoting health across the life course and advancing mental health management
In particular, Korea plans to actively share its strengths in digital healthcare, data-driven policy making, and biohealth industry development with APEC member economies, contributing to regional cooperation and shared prosperity.
Choi Jun-ho, Director General for International Cooperation, stated, “This Chairmanship is an opportunity to elevate Korea’s global standing. Building on our experience, we will contribute to strengthening health security and laying the foundation for all to enjoy a healthy life in the Asia-Pacific region.”
MOHW Minster Jeong presides over the APEC High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy.
Korea Hosts APEC High-Level Meeting on Health and Economy for First Time
The Ministry of Health and Welfare said that the 15th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy (HLMHE) took place from Sept. 15 to 16 at The Shilla Seoul.
The meeting brought together delegations from all 21 APEC member economies. This marked the first time that Korea has hosted the HLMHE.
As the host for APEC 2025, Korea has convened this ministerial-level meeting, with Minister Jeong Eun Kyeong presiding as Chair.
Approximately 480 participants were 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 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), along with business leaders.
The meeting was 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.
The World Bio Summit, an international forum, was 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 were held under the theme “Innovate, Connect, Prosper: Building a Healthy, Smart and Aging-Responsive Society,” focusing on three key agenda items: Digital Health, Healthy Aging, and Mindful Youth.
Member economies shared their policies and experiences in addressing health challenges across the Asia-Pacific region and explored collaborative solutions.
The meeting officially began with a welcome reception at 6 p.m. on Sept. 15, followed by the plenary session starting at 9 a.m. on Sept. 16.
In the Digital Health session, participants examined 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 reviewed real-world applications of AI in healthcare and worked 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 explored 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 examined the changing social environment in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the overwhelming flow of digital information, which have brought mental health issues for youth to the forefront as an emerging challenge.
They discussed the importance of school-, family-, and community-based support systems, spanning prevention through crisis response, and exploring ways to strengthen access to everyday mental health services by leveraging AI and digital technologies.
Participants also shared 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 was 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 included 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 were organized by Korean and international companies and organizations, offering opportunities to share policies and promote initiatives.
Participants not only engaged in in-depth discussions on each agenda item and explored policy directions, but they also had the opportunity to experience cutting-edge healthcare innovations integrating AI and digital technologies, gaining insights into global industry trends.
On Sept. 16, a side event featured 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.
The meeting concluded on Sept. 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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