NZ Voices of the Future provides a unique opportunity for young New Zealanders  to learn about APEC and to explore issues relating to international trade. The programme, run by the VTM-NZ Trust, arranges for young people to meet, engage in discussion with, and interview business and government leaders.

The annual NZ Voices of the Future event brings together students from throughout the country who form a lasting network as VTM-NZ alumni. The representatives who attend the CEO Summit interview some of the key leaders from the 21 APEC economies.

The Virtual Trade Mission Foundation, Washington, leads the initiative and has encouraged other APEC economies to involve young people. New Zealand became involved when the US VTM attended the APEC Leaders’ and CEO summit in Auckland in 1999.  Students from a number of APEC economies attended.

The programme has developed since the first event in Malaysia, and now enjoys support from many APEC economies and business leaders.

It is a programme of opportunity for the young people of the Asia-Pacific region. Since 2004 students from the Voices programme have interviewed many APEC  and CEO leaders, officials and business leaders including Prime Ministers John Key and  Helen Clark.

Visit the Virtual Trade Mission website for more information about earlier Voices of the Future events. You can also read students’ reflections on taking part in NZ Voices of the Future, or their snapshots following interviews with key officials and business leaders.