APEC Women and Economy Forum Opens in Shanghai

In a landmark gathering, Shanghai hosted the APEC Women and Economy Forum on 15 May, bringing together government representatives, academics, and business leaders from 21 member economies. All-China Women’s Federation President Chen Yiqin delivered the keynote, highlighting China’s strong focus on gender-inclusive development. She noted that President Xi Jinping’s direct participation in last year’s Global Women’s Summit had charted a new course for women worldwide. Chen praised APEC’s consistent efforts to mainstream gender equality in its programs since the forum’s inception. She called on participants to translate shared aspirations into concrete actions that expand economic opportunities, protect women’s rights, and foster high-quality growth across the region. The two-day meeting ended with the adoption of the 2026 APEC Women and Economy Forum Chair’s Statement, reaffirming the region’s commitment to inclusive prosperity.