Plenary Sessions

Women and Sustainable Development in APEC
Green is now the new black. Except it will not be a fad. We've been warned that in 2030 – when the global population hits 8.3 billion – the demand for resources could lead to a devastating crisis. This plenary session will discuss the critical economic, social, and environmental concerns that should be integrated into policies for a sustainable future. The session will also examine the contributions of women in business towards sustainable development and the challenges they face. 

Women in Business
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” said former US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Thousands of women in APEC Economies have done just that – they now head enterprises that contribute significantly to the region. This plenary session will examine factors spurring the rise of women entrepreneurs and their contributions to the world of trade and commerce.

Weathering the Storm: Advancing Women’s Economic Opportunities in the Current Financial Climate
There is a Chinese saying “niu zhuan qian kun” which means to turn an unfavourable situation around for the better. This session will explore possible solutions for women business leaders to weather the financial maelstrom. Special guest speaker Dr Noeleen Heyzer will share her insights into ways to enhance the region's resilience and to improve the social protection systems in a recession.

Workshops

Women in the Knowledge Economy
Women's involvement in the once male-dominated ICT industry has grown and evolved. Is a knowledge economy a double-edged sword that creates wealth and deepens inequality? We will discuss the policies needed to create a fair and enabling environment.

Women in Tripartism and Social Enterprise
As superheroes would tell you, the power of three beats the sum of its parts. We will look at tripartism and social enterprise to see how the joint efforts of the people, private and public sectors can help community development and reduce the widening gaps in society.

Work-Life Harmony
Marriage, babies, and careers – a lethal mix or an intriguing cocktail? We will examine the factors that dichotomise family and work and study how the demands of the two spheres can be harmonised.  We also look at how older women can prepare for active ageing both in their careers and in their personal lives.