High Level Policy Dialogue on Women, Economy 2017 Forum held

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, Deputy Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Hong Lan said that the building and implementation of gender responsive policies and programs in APEC are necessary to enhance APEC forums’ coordination in gender equality issues and the inclusion of these issues in each forum for the sake of women’s socio-economic progress and gender equality in the region.

The PPWE 2 is expected to update the progress of implementing and suggesting next steps for the realization of PPWE’s strategic plan for 2015-2018, strengthen cooperation among APEC economies and working groups in the implementation of common initiatives, finalize and approve the APEC gender inclusion guidelines, and complete a draft ministers’ statement to be submitted to the High-Level Policy Dialogue on Women and the Economy later this week.

The 2017 APEC Women and the Economy Forum creates an opportunity for Viet Nam and other APEC economies to contribute to common achievements and efforts, she noted, applauding APEC leaders’ recognition of the importance of women in the region.

The forum focuses on enhancing women’s integration and economic empowerment in a changing world. Its priorities are promoting gender equality for inclusive economic growth, improving the competitiveness and creativeness of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises owned by women, and narrowing the gender equality in human resources development.

By Thuy Dung