New Zealand PM urges leaders to work jointly for ‘strong, sustainable’ post-COVID recovery

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Thursday, 11 November, urged the political and business leaders to work jointly in order to create a “strong, equitable and sustainable recovery” after the COVID-19 pandemic. As per the APEC news release, Ardern made the remarks in her address at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit. She acknowledged the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.

Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, Ardern stated that “there is now little doubt that staying on top of the virus provides options when it comes to responding to the economic challenges before us.” She further added that as they start to work after the COVID-19 pandemic, they need to continue working together to enhance the partnership between government and business, as per the APEC news release. Furthermore, she stated that they need to ensure “equitable, inclusive and sustainable” recovery with investments in people and the planet through innovative ideas.

“As we prepare for the post-pandemic era, we need to continue to strengthen the partnership between government and business. Together, we need to set the stage for an equitable, inclusive and sustainable recovery that invests in our people and our planet through innovative ideas and renewed resolve,” Ardern said.

New Zealand PM urges political and business leaders to work together

Ardern highlighted that the political and business leaders need to work together for economic recovery. She added that they need to gain on efficiency and productivity which digital innovation offers. Furthermore, New Zealand PM pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has enhanced the progress of digital transformation over years. Ardern noted that the economy of the Maori in New Zealand is now worth 70 billion New Zealand dollars. She acknowledged the progress made in APEC in 2021 which included the adoption of fossil fuel subsidies. She highlighted that adoption of fossil fuel has resulted in the transition to the adoption of "renewable alternatives."

"We must unlock efficiency and productivity gains that digital innovation offers. After years of talking about the digital transformation, COVID-19 has accelerated progress by years," Ardern said in her address.

“I’m proud of the progress APEC has made this year, including in beginning to turn the tide on the adoption of fossil fuel subsidies which have created devastating environmental degradation by masking the true cost of fossil fuels and inhibiting the transition to adoption of renewable alternatives,” she added. 

Image: AP