With populations aging and digital technologies reshaping healthcare, Asia-Pacific health ministers gathered in Seoul for the 15th APEC High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy, underscoring the critical role of health systems in driving economic resilience and productivity and inclusive growth. Opening the meeting, Jeong Eun-kyeong, Minister of Health and Welfare for the Republic of Korea, emphasized the emerging health challenges affecting the region and the urgency to harness innovative technologies. “At present, the Asia-Pacific region faces new health challenges amid demographic changes, the rise of chronic diseases, and growing social and economic instability, accelerated in the wake of the pandemic. Expectations for healthcare services continue to rise, yet disparities in medical personnel and resources remain," said Minister Jeong.