The 2001 APEC Women Leaders Meeting was held in Beijing August 22-24, culminating in the adoption of the Statement and Recommendations. Women leaders, entrepreneurs and scholars from the 21 APEC member economies, and delegates from nongovernment organizations (NGOs) participated in the three-day discussions on the topic, "challenges and opportunities facing Asian-Pacific women in the process of economic globalization". "The meeting was a great success, as it brought about several positive results," said Gu Xiulian, vice-chairwoman of the All-China Women's Federation.
"The meeting highlighted the great contributions made by women to the social and economic development of various APEC member economies, and also emphasized the importance of women's participation in these endeavors on an equal footing, which will make them all the more determined to meet challenges arising from economic globalization," Gu explained.
The meeting provided a forum for women from various APEC member economies to exchange views and work cooperatively, thus promoting mutual understanding and economic cooperation.
Gu also pointed out that the Statement and Recommendations, revealed the hope of the women, and will encourage APEC leaders and ministers to formulate appropriate policies to ensure the full participation of women in the economic development activities.
The APEC Women Leaders Meeting has been held annually since 1996 and is generally sponsored by the APEC host of the year. It will take place in Mexico next year.
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