Today's Edition
By: His Excellency Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi*
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit stands as one of the world's most prominent and influential economic forums, comprising both major as well as emerging economies of this dynamic region.
The United Arab Emirates' invitation to participate as Guest of Honour at the 2025 APEC Summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, carries profound political and economic significance. This participation is not merely symbolic, but rather reflects a broader recognition of the UAE's role as a reliable global partner, a regional economic power with growing international influence, and a leading financial and investment hub linking the Middle East with the Asia-Pacific region.
This year's summit theme, "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,” resonates deeply with the UAE's long-term national vision founded on knowledge, sustainability, and innovation. For the UAE, sustainability goes beyond environmental aspiration; it is a comprehensive approach to national development encompassing environmental, economic, and social dimensions.
The UAE has embedded this philosophy in its national strategies, notably We the UAE 2031, which focuses on four core pillars: society, economy, diplomacy, and the environment. These efforts are also reflected in the UAE's Climate Neutrality Strategy 2050, which provides an efficient nationwide programme to achieve its goals in reducing emissions, building on the UAE's Net Zero Strategy 2050 launched in 2021.
The initiative defined the UAE's climate ambition, followed by the launch of the National Net Zero by 2050 Pathway in 2022, outlining the timeline and phases of its implementation mechanisms. In addition, the UAE played a pivotal role during its hosting of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in 2023, which further cemented its global leadership in advancing climate action and sustainable development, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Innovation and digital transformation sit at the heart of this vision, serving as the cornerstone for translating it into tangible reality. The UAE has adopted a forward-looking approach to artificial intelligence (AI), leading with its 2017 AI Strategy, smart infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital governance, recognising that modern technology is the engine of sustainable and inclusive growth. This approach aligns closely with APEC's own objectives of harnessing technological progress to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.
The UAE's participation in this year's APEC Summit presents a significant opportunity to strengthen economic partnerships between the Middle East and Asia, drawing on its vast experience as a global hub for trade, logistics services, financing, and innovation. Leveraging its advanced infrastructure, prime geographic location, and flexible investment policies, the UAE can help facilitate trade, investment, and technology flows between the two regions, and enhance cooperation across renewable energy, digital transformation, sustainable supply chains, and advanced industries.
Furthermore, the UAE's commitment to facilitating cross-border trade and investment, a central goal of APEC, reflects its clear vision to expand cooperation with the ROK as a Special Strategic Partner and other APEC member economies in shaping the digital economy and enhancing regional supply chain integration. With its world-class ports, unified digital trade platforms, and smart customs systems, the UAE stands as a trusted partner in building a more efficient, interconnected, and sustainable global trading system.
Ultimately, the UAE's participation in the Summit underscores its emergence as not only a regional player, but also a prominent contributor to shaping the future of economic cooperation between the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific. Through its ambitious vision, investments in human capital, and innovation, the UAE continues to move forward with confidence toward building a sustainable future for the world.
*The writer is the UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Korea
