The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was formed in 1989 in response to the growing interdependence among Asia-Pacific economies. Beginning as an informal dialogue group with limited participation, APEC has grown to become the primary regional vehicle for promoting open trade and practical economic cooperation with the goals of advancing Asia-Pacific economic dynamism and a sense of community. There are 21 member economies.
The Department of Education, Science and Training leads Australia’s participation in the APEC Human Resources Development Working Group (HRDWG). This Group was established in 1990 and its work encompasses all aspects of human resources development: primary, secondary, vocational and tertiary education, managerial and executive development and labour market issues.
Like all APEC fora, the HRDWG embraces in its activities cross-cutting themes including, among other things: lifelong learning, small and medium enterprises; development and sustainable development. The Group meets once a year.