The two-day event, held at the Shanghai World Expo Center, is the first ministerial-level meeting under China's 2026 chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

Chinese State Councillor and All-China Women's Federation President Shen Yiqin said in her opening remarks that APEC had long treated gender equality as a priority area of cooperation. She called for stronger support for women's economic empowerment through education, skills training and technology access.

Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng said the city would continue promoting women's participation in innovation, entrepreneurship and international exchanges as part of its broader economic and social development goals.

Delegates at the forum said women's economic participation should be viewed not only as a social issue, but also as a driver of growth and competitiveness in the digital economy.

"When women can fully participate in economies, they do better, countries do better and regions do better," said Michelle O'Byrne, Australia's ambassador for gender equality.

According to figures cited at the forum, women account for less than one-third of researchers globally, highlighting a persistent gender gap in science and technology fields.

Participants also discussed the risks of bias in artificial intelligence and the need for women to play a greater role in developing and deploying new technologies.

The forum's theme is "Advancing Women's Economic Empowerment for Shared Prosperity in the Asia-Pacific." Discussions focus on digital technology, green and low-carbon development, and employment and entrepreneurship.