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MESSAGE

On behalf of my Government and the people of Papua New Guinea, it is my greatest pleasure to extend my warmest
congratulations on this momentous occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the APEC Voices of the Future Program.

I am very honored that the APEC Voices’ 20th Anniversary Commemorative Book will be officially launched in Port
Moresby, Papua New Guinea during the APEC Week in November 2018. I am very pleased to help you celebrate the
incredible and amazing journey of APEC Voices of the Future from its humble beginnings in 1998 to its status as the
official youth program of the annual APEC Summit.

The fact that the APEC Voices of the Future has grown from a mere 30 young leaders in 1998 to more than 150 young
leaders bears testament to the vision of each successive host over the years who have supported the program. Young
leaders who have participated in the APEC Voices of the Future Program have benefitted and are making strong
contributions within their respective economies, paving the way for the future. They also maintained friendly relations
with their counterparts from the different economies, which is vital in developing an integrated and interconnected
global community.

The 20th Anniversary is an important milestone in the history of APEC. Over the past twenty years, the APEC Voices of
the Future Program has thrived and prospered in the hands of the committee that has worked tirelessly to provide
opportunities and platforms for the youths of the Asia-Pacific. By working together with the Host Economy, ABAC and
APEC Voices Leadership Council, I believe that the APEC Youth Program will continue to go from strength to strength,
shaping and developing the Asia-Pacific Region’s future decision makers. I am confident that the program will continue
to grow in its reach and influence, enabling more young leaders in the region to understand the mission that APEC has
set out to achieve.

I am certain that the APEC Voices Program in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea will be an excellent platform that
will reach greater heights in the years to come. I wish everyone in the program every success for the next 20 years
and beyond.

H. E. Peter O’Neill, CMG, MP
Prime Minister, Papua New Guinea

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