Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC facilitates economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. Formed in 1989, APEC now has 21 member economies, spanning four continents. 

This year, Singapore is honoured to host the APEC meetings which include the 14th Meeting of the Women Leaders Network (WLN). This network comprises more than 400 women leaders in business, academia, government, and non-government organisations from the 21 APEC Economies.

The WLN has grown in size and influence since its first meeting in 1996. Each year, the WLN presents approved recommendations to APEC ministers and leaders on the inclusion of gender perspectives and women's enterprises in the APEC agenda.