Capturing Resilience: APEC Photo Contest 2024 Celebrates Sustainability and Collaboration
Lima, Peru – A vibrant display of commitment to sustainability and clean energy took center stage at the 35th APEC Ministerial Meeting on Thursday, as Peru’s Vice Minister of Foreign Trade, Teresa Mera, announced the winners of the APEC Photo Contest 2024.
With an impressive 1,800 submissions from 17 member economies, the contest showcased stunning visual interpretations of this year’s APEC theme, “Empower. Include. Grow.” Photographers skillfully reflected the policy priorities of trade and investment for inclusive growth, digital innovation, and sustainable and resilient development.
First prize: Solar Power Project by Vũ Nguyễn Trần from Viet Nam.
A Vision for Sustainability
Vice Minister Teresa Mera highlighted the collective commitment visible in the winning images. “Looking at the winning images, we can see that one of the top concerns in the region is addressing climate change, and it remains a top priority for many APEC economies,” she said. “This aligns with our focus this year on promoting the transition to clean energy.”
Emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation, she added, “It is vital that economies strengthen cooperation to advance a sustainable, equitable, affordable, and inclusive energy transition. Together, we are working to build a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.”
Second prize: Igorot Tribesmen Growing Stronger with Solar Power by Jaime Singlador from the Philippines.
The Winners and Their Stories
The first prize was awarded to Vũ Nguyễn Trần from Viet Nam for his photograph of a large solar power installation. The striking image features workers clad in bright orange vests and traditional Vietnamese Non La hats, meticulously maintaining rows of solar panels. The photo’s dynamic composition and vibrant colors captured the collaborative spirit among APEC economies, earning it top honors.
The Influencer Award, decided through public engagement on APEC’s Instagram account, added a modern, participatory twist to the contest.
The winners were selected by an esteemed panel of judges, including Ambassador Carlos Vasquez, 2024 Chair of APEC Senior Officials; Dr. Rebecca Sta Maria, APEC Secretariat Executive Director; and renowned photojournalists Jaime Razuri, Alphonsus Chern, and Joseph Nair.
Third prize: Floating solar plant and smart farm by Gil Young from the Republic of Korea.
Global Participation
This year’s submissions spanned a diverse range of perspectives, with entries from economies including Australia, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, the United States, and Viet Nam.
Each photograph told a unique story of resilience, innovation, and hope. Together, they form a mosaic of the Asia-Pacific’s journey toward a sustainable and prosperous future, underscoring the power of art to unite and inspire.
As APEC Peru 2024 continues, the themes captured in this contest serve as a visual testament to the region’s shared aspirations and the critical importance of collaboration in achieving them.
Influencer and Popular Choice Award: Up in the Sky by Hung Do Ba from Viet Nam
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