In an era marked by profound transformation, East Asia stands at a critical juncture. The international system is undergoing significant changes, shaped by intensifying geopolitical tensions. The rapid evolution of digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer merely a matter of innovation; it is redefining national security and economic competitiveness. Simultaneously, the cascading effects of climate change are transcending national borders, revealing the limitations of isolated national responses.

In this context, the imperative for regional cooperation in East Asia, one of the most dynamic regions in the world, has never been more pressing, not only to address common challenges but also to continue dialogue in order to mitigate the negative consequences of a changing world.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea launched the East Asia Cooperation Forum (EACF) in 2022 to identify common challenges and explore cooperative solutions. Since its inception, the EACF has served as a platform for an open exchange of ideas among relevant actors, including experts, international organizations, and academia to broaden and strengthen regional cooperation.

Continuing this tradition, the EACF 2025, titled “The Future of Cooperation across East Asia in a Changing World”, seeks to gather insights and wisdom from various experts and practitioners to analyze the implications of changes around the world and discuss the future direction of cooperation in East Asia.

Specifically, the first session will contemplate the architecture of East Asian cooperation and chart a new path forward. The second and third session will examine the current state of cooperation and explore prospective forms of collaboration on two main issues affecting the world today, which are digital technology, and natural disasters caused by climate change.

The EACF 2025 hopes to provide key insights on these major issues, and also offer innovative answers and solutions for the future of cooperation in East Asia. More importantly, the EACF 2025 will continue its role as a venue where ideas are exchanged, views and opinions are shared, trust is built, and long-lasting relationships are cultivated among governments and societies in East Asia, contributing to continuous cooperation within the region.