17. Conclusions

For a common future, the countries in the Asia-Pacific Region (APR) have a number of convergent issues that may very well be manifested by the term ‘sustainable development in peace and cooperation’, which can bring them together on a single platform. But we cannot underestimate the adverse potential of the divergent issues existing in the region. The difference in positions taken on those can derail any drive for unity, and even on economic orientation, in the region. However, both of them may ultimately influence the destination of the region including how effectively the countries in the APR can create a common future for them. Thus, any move towards a common future of sustainable development in the APR may not be easy.