The arrival of a new year is always a time for reflection and anticipation with hope and excitement. 2023 was a year of reconnection and renewed collaboration.

After a lengthy period of virtual interactions, we joyfully resumed in-person meetings, a mode of engagement we all cherish. These include key APO meetings such as the Liaison Officers’ Meeting in Tokyo, the 65th Session of the APO Governing Body in Ulaanbaatar, and the 64th Workshop Meeting of Heads of National Productivity Organizations in Ankara, hosted by our newest member, Turkiye. At the same time, we continued to embrace digitalization, with APO projects offered in the online and hybrid modalities, reflecting our commitment to adaptability and inclusiveness.

Marking the midpoint of APO Vision 2025, a strategic roadmap spanning 2021 to 2025, 2023 was a crucial juncture for introspection and realignment. The “pause-and-reflect” initiative, designed to assess our progress and achievements in light of the overarching vision, was not simply a procedural checkpoint but a vital opportunity to ensure that every effort we made was attuned to our goals and objectives.

Throughout my official visits and interactions with beneficiaries, stakeholders, academics, and high-level officials, I have been deeply inspired by numerous stories of progress. Those narratives are a compelling testament to the strength and vitality of the productivity movement. As we enter 2024, I hope to build upon those achievements with a steadfast commitment to making our journey toward enhanced productivity both sustainable and accessible.

With the insightful words of Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success,” I extend my best wishes as we continue our productivity journey, bringing greater prosperity to all in 2024!

Happy New Year!