Established in 1989, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional forum for 21 countries in the Pacific Rim. The annual APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting brings together world leaders to discuss the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific region, and how to bring about great successes for member countries’ citizens by “promoting balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative and secure growth.” With member countries being among the world’s largest economies, any decisions implemented by APEC greatly affect the global trade balance, and any advancements the region makes — whether they concern futuristic urban innovations or continuous economic prosperity — will likely set a precedent for the rest of the world.
This committee is specifically designed for intermediate and experienced delegates. Position papers, although strongly recommended, are not required. However, delegates who wish to be considered for an award must submit their position papers by January 12, 2026, at 23:59 PST. More information about position papers can be found in the Position Paper Guide, on the Delegate Resources Page.
Topic A: Access to Digital Infrastructure (Click to show summary)
According to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s Digital Economic Steering Group, the rise of e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Temu, and Shein has led to the digital economy accounting for an estimated 4.5% to 15.5% of the global GDP. International trade, being heavily dependent on these e-commerce platforms, raises problems in accessibility. A study from Statista claims that over 121 million citizens in Southeast Asia lack access to an internet connection and related digital infrastructure to effectively interact with the digital economy. For APEC to achieve its goal of sustainable and inclusive economic growth, it is paramount that it finds a way for all citizens, no matter their location, to be able to utilize the digital tools required to interact with this economy.
Topic B: Equitable Trade and Investment Practices (Click to show summary)
The Asia-Pacific region accounts for an estimated 48% of global trade and 62% of global GDP. Trade benefits remain unevenly distributed, however, as smaller and developing economies struggle to tap into the same markets and investment opportunities as advanced members. For APEC to abide by its Putrajaya Vision 2040 commitment to “open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful growth,” member economies must find common ground in implementing mechanisms that address tariff escalation in agricultural products and limited access to equitable infrastructure financing. This work, while challenging, is critical to ensuring equitable participation in both trade and investment across all member economies.
Aidan Madamba | Director
Entering his final year at Saint Thomas More Collegiate, Aidan is ecstatic to serve as the Director of APEC at VMUN 2026. Beginning his career in eighth grade and wrapping up in his twelfth, Aidan has gone from being an anxious speaker to a seasoned and confident diplomat with each swing of the gavel. Through impassioned speeches as Poland in the EU, to late-night bargaining over Instagram DMs as Nacho Sanchez Amor in the European Parliament, Aidan’s love for Model UN has only gotten deeper with each conference he attended. When not dressed in a suit and tie, Aidan can be found speeding around Downtown Vancouver in his e-bike, being “productive” at La Foret (his favourite cafe), or DJing at public events across the Lower Mainland. Aidan is truly excited to meet everyone and is looking forward to a weekend of passionate debate!
Evangeline Mah | Chair
Evangeline, a Grade 11 student at Crofton House School, is ecstatic to serve as the Chair of APEC at VMUN 2026. Ever since discovering Model UN in Grade 8, she has grown to cherish the long committee sessions, the packed elevators, and the sleepless nights. Her Model UN journey has been nothing short of long-lasting memories, Starbucks runs, and laughter. Beyond Model UN, Evangeline can be found inhaling Big Way Hotpot, brawling, skiing, and listening to music. She hopes that this year’s iteration of VMUN will be an unforgettable experience for both new and returning delegates, with each delegate leaving with lasting memories and a great weekend full of endless debate.
Xia Sy | Assistant Director
A Grade 12 student at Queen Margaret’s School, Xia is excited to serve as the Assistant Director of APEC at VMUN 2026! From frantically googling what an ROP was during a break of her first MUN conference to having to drag her luggage down over 10 flights of stairs in heels at VMUN 2025, Xia hopes that this iteration of VMUN will allow for all delegates, whether new or experienced, to gain insights into the world of international debate. Outside of MUN, she often wakes up at ungodly hours to watch F1 races, soccer matches, and to cram for homework. Xia is looking forward to meeting everyone and hopes that everyone has an amazing time at VMUN 2026.
You can contact the Director at apec@vmun.com. Any questions regarding the committee or its debate procedures will be answered by email. Position papers must also be submitted to this address.