"The Asia – Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit 2015"

“The Asia – Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit 2015”

Building inclusive economies…Building a better world …

The APEC Summit 2015 Logo (Photo Source: www.mb.com.ph)

The APEC Philippine 2015, was the year – long hosting of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit which concluded with the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting held last  November 18-19 in Pasay, Manila Philippines. According to my research, it was the second time that the Philippines hosted the APEC Summit, the first was in the year 1996 APEC Summit.

With this year’s APEC Summit theme, “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World”, Leaders, Ministers and Senior Officials from APEC’s 21 member economies, the world’s largest regional economic group, will take new joint actions to boost trade and growth in the Pacific Rim while ensuring benefits for the countries as well. (apec.org, 2015)

The 21 Economic Leaders during the 22nd APEC Economic Leader's Meeting 

(Photo Source: www.mb.com.ph)

What did the leaders talk about?

Basically, trade and economic issues are discussed at the annual meeting. But following the recent attacks in France, the APEC leaders welcomed efforts to fight terrorism. The APEC economic leaders met for two days and people are wondering what they accomplished in that period.

Some of the APEC leaders tackle terrorism development issues. The leaders collectively said that, they strongly condemn terrorism and called for international cooperation in the fight against terrorist activities. They also added that economic growth and opportunity were among the "most powerful tools to address the root causes of terrorism and radicalization."

President Benigno "Ninoy"  C. Aquino III 

(Photo Source: www.apec.org2015)

President Benigno Aquino III raised in his statement some factors outside trade that will undeniably affect economic growth and that "our discussions must be able to identify and define the foundations for sustained and quality growth beyond 2020."

Another is the Medvedev Hints of “joint answer” vs. ISIS. In here Pres. Benigno Aquino III discussed, new economic strategies. Like, building inclusive economies, fostering the participation of micro, small and medium enterprises, building sustainable and resilient communities and lastly enhancing the regional economic integration agenda.

Medvedev Hints of "Joint answer" VS ISIS

(Photo Source: www.apec.org2015)

In summary, President Benigno Aquino said the main challenge for the economic leaders is "finding a way to sustain and strengthen quality growth, particularly by considering policy responses that promote inclusivity, while addressing the current domestic and external challenges to APEC's growth."

In relation to the three Paradigm of Sociology, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit can be relate to the “Structural Functionalism”. As Macionis defined Structural Functionalism, he said that Society sees as complex system where parts work together to promote stability and solidarity Its key characteristic is that it views society as constantly striving to be at a state of equilibrium, which suggests there is an inherent drive within human societies to cohere or stick together.

Structural Functionalism

(Photo Source: www.pinterest.com)

As President Benigno Aquino III said in his important message, he said that the APEC embraces all segments of society as invaluable participants, wherein they all work together towards a holistic growth – an important factor for the society. Therefore, it is very evident that the platforms that was being discussed in the APEC Summit 2015 were trying to attain “Stability” and “Solidarity” within the society. These platforms could strengthen collaboration most of all, since it could pave way for the different countries to work hand-in-hand with one another. 

APEC Summit 2015 Logo

(Photo Source: www.apec2015ceosummit2015)