20 November 2016: The leaders of the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) concluded the 2016 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima (AELM 24) by adopting a declaration on advancing quality growth and human development. The 2016 Leaders’ Declaration describes APEC countries’ policy commitments to address challenges and opportunities for free trade and investment, with complementary priorities such as food security, climate change and access to water.

The AELM took place from 19-20 November 2016, in Lima, Peru, under the theme ‘Quality Growth and Human Development.’ By the Declaration, APEC leaders commit to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, welcome the entry into force of the Paris Agreement on climate change on 4 November 2016, and commit to its transparent and effective implementation in order to transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.

Also on climate change, the leaders commit to enhancing their cooperation on implementing policies to address the relationship between food security and climate change, in ways that respect varying conditions in each economy, and they welcome the APEC Program on Food Security and Climate Change. They also commit to intensify efforts to mitigate impacts of drought, flood and climate-related disasters on food production and food security.

On water, the leaders note that they will foster APEC cooperation for the sustainable use and integrated management of water resources. In support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they commit to increasing efforts to combat illicit wildlife trafficking.

Other commitments expressed in the Declaration include strengthening efforts to: ensure decent work and work life quality for all, especially socially vulnerable groups, by providing access to quality inclusive education and vocational training, boosting entrepreneurship, improving social protection, and enhancing regional cooperation; support the mainstreaming of gender equality and women’s empowerment across APEC’s work, and ensure that women enjoy equal access to quality education and economic resources; and keep their markets open and fight against all forms of protectionism by reaffirming their pledge against protectionism through a “standstill commitment,” which they agree to extend until the end of 2020, and by rolling back protectionist and trade-distorting measures.

The 2017 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting will take place in Viet Nam. [APEC Press Release] [2016 Leaders’ Declaration]