For 28 years, Colombia has been expressing its interest in joining the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC). Despite repeated requests, the response had always been ignored until this year. In an unexpected turn, President Gustavo Petro was invited at the last minute to the APEC summit held in San Francisco, marking a significant diplomatic advance. “I don’t understand why we are not part of it,” said Petro, seeking a path for Colombia in the APEC forum. This invitation opens new international opportunities for the country and solidifies the new image of Colombian diplomacy.
Historical and Geopolitical Context:
Strategically located at the crossroads of Latin America, Colombia has historically been a key player in Western Hemisphere affairs. Its economy, rich in natural resources and with considerable agricultural potential, makes it an attractive candidate for international trade and economic cooperation. Despite all its advantages, the path to integration into global economic blocs like APEC has been slow and full of obstacles, partly due to the complexity of its internal situation, mixing a decades-long internal conflict and chronic corruption among its ruling classes, and generally the region’s political dynamics.
Key Points from President Petro:
At the APEC summit, President Petro articulated a bold and transformative vision. He passionately called on world leaders to end global conflicts and focus on the climate crisis. “Here sit those who allow war,” Petro said, emphasizing the responsibility of world leaders in conflict management and its impact on the environment. He added, “This is a very powerful forum, today we were sitting with Russia, China, the United States, and other countries from Asia and America, which are the main CO2 emitters, the responsible for war and peace; in other words, in that small meeting, the fundamental decisions of humanity are crossed”.
USA Pledges USD 1000 Million for the Amazon:
The United States’ pledge to contribute 1000 million dollars for the preservation of the Amazon marks a turning point in international environmental policy. “We are working with partners around the table to mobilize one billion dollars to preserve the Amazon and other critical ecosystems in Latin America. You know the Amazon is a major carbon sink. It absorbs more carbon daily than the United States emits daily. And it must be preserved, and they need help to do it,” assured President Biden.
President Biden also mentioned his request to the U.S. Congress for “another 25 billion dollars to strengthen the role of multilateral development banks in fighting the climate crisis, starting with the World Bank.” He emphasized that this year “the world is on track to meet the promise of climate financing that we assumed under the Paris Agreement of 100 billion dollars collectively.”
This financial commitment is a tangible response to Petro’s innovative proposal to link external debt with climate action. “This alliance […] is an example for the world,” Petro affirmed, highlighting the importance of this initiative for environmental conservation and the Colombian economy.
Colombia and APEC: A Path Full of Opportunities
Colombia’s inclusion in APEC could bring significant benefits for both Colombia and the bloc. Economically, Colombia could access broader markets, attract investments, and participate in more diversified supply chains. Politically, its membership would strengthen ties between Latin America and the Asia-Pacific, fostering greater dialogue and cooperation on global issues such as trade, security, and the environment. However, the challenges are not minor: Colombia must navigate a complex geopolitical environment, balancing its national interests with the expectations and regulations of the forum.
Colombia’s recent participation in the APEC summit is a promising indicator of its potential future inclusion in this economic forum. With its strategic position, leadership in energy transition issues, and innovative approach to combating climate change, Colombia not only shapes up as a viable candidate but also as a potential leader in the region. Colombia’s likely inclusion in APEC would not only be a significant diplomatic achievement but also a step forward in global economic integration, cooperation to tackle global challenges, and addressing the leadership that poor countries need.
