Korean Women Entrepreneurs Association Hosts Roundtable with Former Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau

Discussion on Strengthening Global Women's Leadership

The Korean Women Entrepreneurs Association held a global women leaders' roundtable at its headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on April 22, inviting Tory Whanau, former Mayor of Wellington, New Zealand.

On the 22nd, at the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Korea (WEAK) headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, officials are taking a commemorative photo during the "Global Women Leaders Invitation Reception." From left to right: Yu Jimi, Head of WEAK; Park Changsook, Chairperson of WEAK; Tory Whanau, Former Mayor of Wellington, New Zealand; Kim Myungja, Special Vice Chairperson of WEAK; and Park Chihyung, Executive Vice Chairperson of WEAK. Women Entrepreneurs Association of Korea

This roundtable was organized in conjunction with the "2026 Invitation Program for Distinguished Overseas Figures" by the Korea Foundation (KF), aiming to expand exchanges with key policy decision-makers from abroad and to build a global network.

Tory Whanau, the first Māori mayor of Wellington, is recognized as a leader with deep insight into women's and gender policies. She is also known as a fan of Korean culture.

At the event, the association introduced topics such as the current status of women-owned businesses in Korea and their economic contributions, policies and public sector collaboration for fostering women entrepreneurs, and major initiatives to vitalize the ecosystem for women in business, sharing the "K-Women Entrepreneurs Support Model."

Former Mayor Tory Whanau remarked, "I am impressed by Korea's systematic government support, such as the Act on the Support for Women-Owned Enterprises, which encourages the active participation of women entrepreneurs in society. If our two countries actively share experiences in the women’s economic sector, it could create great synergy."

Chair Park Changsook of the association responded, "I was greatly inspired by former Mayor Tory Whanau's interest in and insight into Korean women entrepreneurs and the women’s business community. I hope this meeting will serve as an opportunity not only for policy exchanges with New Zealand but also for more vibrant and practical international cooperation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.