APEC Women and Economy Forum

The 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Women and the Economy Forum opened on Friday in Shanghai, highlighting women’s economic empowerment in the age of artificial intelligence. Under the theme of “Empowering Women for Shared Prosperity in the Asia-Pacific,” the two-day ministerial-level APEC gathering is attracting over 200 participants from across APEC economies.

Senior officials, experts, scholars and business representatives are discussing pressing issues including women’s participation in the ongoing digital transformation, entrepreneurship and innovation. Delegates noted that getting women involved across all sectors and in all industries is no longer a social issue, but a growth strategy.

The forum is expected to release the APEC Shanghai Initiative on Women’s Economic Empowerment, offering new ideas and practical proposals for advancing women’s development across the region.