APEC WEF Held in Korea for the First Time...Shin Youngsook Discusses Sustainable Women's Economic Participation Through Connectivity, Innovation, and Prosperity

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Women’s Economic Forum (WEF), attended by ministerial-level delegations from 21 countries around the world, was held in Korea for the first time. The APEC Women’s Economic Forum is a gathering where women policy leaders convene to discuss issues affecting women in the Asia-Pacific region and explore avenues for international cooperation. With Korea set to host the APEC Summit in Gyeongju this October and chairing the APEC Women’s Economic Forum as well, this marks the first time since the forum’s inception in 2011 that Korea has served as the chair country.

Shin Youngsook, Acting Minister and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, is delivering the opening address at the APEC Women’s Economic Forum (WEF) High-Level Policy Dialogue (HLPDWE) held on the afternoon of the 12th at Songdo Convensia in Incheon. At the High-Level Policy Dialogue (HLPDWE) that day, senior ministerial representatives from APEC member economies will speak on the theme of "Expanding Women’s Economic Participation Amid Demographic Changes and Digital Transformation." Ministry of Gender Equality and Family

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On August 12, Shin Youngsook, Acting Minister and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, delivered the opening address at the "2025 APEC Women’s Economic Forum High-Level Policy Dialogue (HLPDWE)" held at Songdo Convensia in Incheon. She stated, "Today’s theme, ‘Expanding Women’s Economic Participation for Sustainable Growth,’ is one of the key challenges facing APEC and, at the same time, a powerful solution for resilient growth and a sustainable future."

Vice Minister Shin noted, "The launch of the Women’s Economic Forum (WEF) in 2011 was a turning point that elevated women and the economy to a central agenda in the Asia-Pacific region. The Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy (PPWE) has held approximately 27 meetings, serving as a driving force for developing diverse solutions and establishing a foundation for cooperation among member economies." However, she emphasized, "There is still a long way to go. Complex challenges such as digital transformation, demographic changes, and the entrenchment of inequality highlight the need to both solidify the progress we have made and strive for further advancement."

She explained, "This year, we aim to seek more practical and concrete solutions centered around three key priorities: connectivity, innovation, and prosperity." Regarding 'connectivity,' Vice Minister Shin stressed, "We must establish a safety net so that women can participate in economic activities on a foundation where they are protected from violence and discrimination. This is a challenge that cannot be solved by individual countries alone. By strengthening global cooperation at the APEC level, we can safeguard women’s economic autonomy and dignity."

On the topic of 'innovation,' she said, "In the era of digital transformation and artificial intelligence, we must bridge the digital divide by providing women with technical training and fostering a gender-equal digital environment. We must open wide the doors to learning and employment so that women can grow into genuine leaders."

She continued, "Lastly, prosperity means ensuring that, amid demographic changes, the value of care is respected and care work is fully accorded dignity. Care is not a matter of individual sacrifice, but a responsibility that the whole of society must share. It is a challenge directly linked to the sustainable growth of the entire APEC region."

Vice Minister Shin concluded, "This forum will seek strategies to effectively address global challenges in order to realize the shared vision that APEC pursues, and will further strengthen solidarity and cohesion in the Asia-Pacific region, helping to build an inclusive and resilient regional community."

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