On July 23, the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital and Artificial Intelligence Ministerial Meeting commenced in Chengdu. During this significant gathering, the Chengdu Declaration was adopted, marking a collective commitment from all participating parties to propel the Asia-Pacific community forward through the transformative power of digital and artificial intelligence technologies. This declaration sets forth an actionable framework for intensified cooperation within APEC, specifically targeting the digital and AI sectors.

As a pivotal event under the APEC umbrella, the Digital and Artificial Intelligence Ministerial Meeting stands as a vital forum for fostering exchanges and collaboration in the digital and information and communications technology (ICT) realms across the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting zeroed in on the central theme of “Empowering the Asia-Pacific Community through Digital and Artificial Intelligence Technologies,” prompting in-depth deliberations among member economies. These discussions centered on bolstering development driven by digital and AI technologies, advocating for extensive and impactful digital connectivity, and championing digital inclusion alongside the enhancement of digital skills.