The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family on Aug. 12 said a joint statement under the theme "Promoting Women's Economic Participation for Sustainable Growth," was unanimously adopted by member countries at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Women and the Economy Forum at the convention center Songdo Convensia in Incheon. (APEC 2025's official Flickr account)

By Margareth Theresia

A joint statement on promoting women's economic participation has been adopted as a concrete plan to achieve the theme of this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit: "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper."

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family on Aug. 12 said the APEC Women and Economy Forum at the convention center Songdo Convensia in Incheon saw the adoption of the statement titled "Promoting Women's Economic Participation for Sustainable Growth." The declaration was prepared under a systematic process of multilateral and bilateral consultations and negotiations on wording.

The statement reaffirmed the commitment to implementing the La Serena Roadmap for Women and Inclusive Growth (2019-30), as well as present specific measures to accomplish the summit's key tasks based on the roadmap.

Concrete actions were mentioned in three priority areas: "promoting growth for all through women's empowerment and greater economic participation and leadership; creating safe and enabling environments through the prevention and elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls; and achieving a sustainable future through building quality care systems."

Vice Minister of Gender Equality and Family Shin Young-sook, who chaired the forum, said, "The joint statement will serve as an important basis for future cooperation in agenda on women's affairs within APEC and a guide for policy decisions."

The annual forum is an official dialogue for high-ranking female policymakers from APEC's 21 member countries on policy cases and potential collaboration in raising women's economic empowerment and promoting gender equality. Launched in 2011, the event this year was held for the first time in Korea.

margareth@korea.kr