Inter-regional diplomacy is alive

Moreover, APEC participants will "ensure that the Asia-Pacific region is resilient to shocks, crises, pandemics and other emergencies "

Perspectives

The final paragraphs of the document APEC Putrajava Vision 2040 are proofs of an optimistically oriented forum.

They contain the firm APEC commitment "to foster quality growth that brings palpable benefits and greater health and wellbeing to all." APEC is ready "to promote economic policies, cooperation and growth which support global efforts to comprehensively address all environmental challenges, including climate change, extreme weather and natural disasters, for a sustainable planet".

The fundamental objective of this original diplomatic forum is clearly formulated and deserves to be cited in extenso. It is "To maintain APEC's unique position as the premier forum for regional economic cooperation as well as a modern, efficient and effective incubator of ideas… to embrace continuous improvement of APEC as an institution through good governance and stakeholder engagements."It will work"with a spirit of equal partnership, shared responsibility, mutual respect, common interest, and common benefit". For that purpose, APEC "will achieve the Vision by 2040, with an appropriate implementation plan and review of its progress".

The first diplomatic assessmentof this optimistic Vision will take place in New Zealand, an "economy" who will host and chair the APEC Summit 2021.

While preparing for this event it should not be forgotten thatmultilateralism serves to bind powerful nations, discourage unilateralism and gives small powers a voice and influence that they could not otherwise exercise on the world arena.