Amid rapid changes in the labor market due to digital transformation such as the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and low birth rates and aging, member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) have pledged to collaborate for a sustainable labor market and jobs.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 12th that 21 member economies adopted a joint statement containing this information at the plenary session of the 7th APEC Ministerial Meeting on Employment and Labor held at the Jeju International Convention Center.
The meeting focused on the theme of 'sustainable labor markets and jobs for the future.' It was the first such meeting in 11 years since the one held in Vietnam in 2014. This is the first time it has been held domestically since the meeting in Seoul in 1997, 28 years ago.
Member economies have united in their commitment to promote various collaborative measures in the areas of 'flexible and vibrant labor markets' and 'proactive labor market policies for future jobs.' Specifically, they agreed to promote ▲flexible working environments to create quality jobs ▲improve industrial safety and health standards using new technologies and address violence and harassment in the workplace ▲facilitate entry into the labor market and sustained employment for youth ▲enhance support for women's participation in the labor market and work-life balance ▲and activate tailored retraining and flexible work systems for middle-aged workers.
The joint statement adopted this time reflects the consensus of APEC economies and has no legal binding force. The Ministry of Employment and Labor plans to establish a tentative 'APEC Sustainable Jobs Forum' to specify and implement the outcomes of the meeting next year in Seoul.
Meanwhile, Vice Minister Kim Min-seok conducted high-level bilateral talks with representatives from five countries, including the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and Canada, at this meeting.