The APEC Women and the Economy Forum (WEF) recently concluded in Shanghai, marking the first ministerial-level APEC gathering of 2026. Held under the theme "Empowering Women for Shared Prosperity in the Asia-Pacific," the forum brought together ministers and high-level representatives from 21 APEC members to discuss the evolving role of women in the global economy.
Over the course of two days, participants engaged in high-level dialogues centered on the intersection of gender and technology. Key discussions focused on women's participation in digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and innovation, emphasizing the need to foster an enabling environment where women can flourish and lead.
The forum also served as a window into the efforts of the Chinese mainland to advance women's development. By showcasing the achievements of women across various sectors, the event highlighted how female talent is being uplifted to drive both personal success and regional prosperity.
Among the highlighted role models was Zhang Yuhua, a prominent scientist at the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. Zhang has played a central role in several groundbreaking projects, including the first-ever lunar far-side sampling and solving complex Mars landing and braking technology challenges. Her leadership as deputy commander-in-chief of the Chang'e-5 lunar probe system and deputy commander of the Tianwen-1 Mars mission exemplifies the impact of women in high-tech sectors. "The harder we work, the more we gain, both for ourselves and for our country," Zhang noted.
Beyond space exploration, the forum celebrated pioneers in other critical fields. In agricultural research, Zheng Wenjing has led teams in molecular breeding to create japonica rice resistant to rice blast. In the deep sea, Han Xiqiu became the first female chief scientist of ocean scientific expeditions, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Additionally, Professor Wang Yingjun of the South China University of Technology demonstrated the scale of female-led innovation, expanding her materials lab from a small room in the 1980s into a massive national engineering center.
As the Asia-Pacific region continues to navigate a rapidly changing economic landscape, the APEC WEF underscored that shared prosperity is only achievable when women are fully empowered to innovate, lead, and contribute to the region's collective future.
Reference(s):
APEC forum in Shanghai highlights women's role in shared prosperity
cgtn.com
