President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called on Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies to invest more strategically in women and youth, emphasizing that closing gender gaps is key to achieving long-term economic stability and inclusive growth.
“To be truly connected and resilient, we must also strategically invest in our people, especially in women and youth, who are important players in ensuring social and economic stability,” President Marcos said during a session of the 32nd APEC Summit in South Korea.
He said empowering women to participate fully in the economy is not only a matter of fairness but also of sound economics, citing global estimates showing that gender equality could boost worldwide GDP by as much as $28 trillion.
“Empowering women to participate fully in the economy could add as much as $28 trillion to global GDP, making this the most critical investment for sustained growth,” the President said.
He urged APEC economies to take concrete measures to close gender pay gaps and remove barriers to women’s participation in business, trade, and innovation.
The Philippines, he noted, has consistently ranked among the top countries in gender equality in Asia, with women playing leading roles in business, government, and civil society.
The President’s statement aligns with APEC’s broader agenda to strengthen inclusive growth and address inequalities across the region.
This year’s APEC Summit has focused on rebuilding economies through digital transformation, sustainability, and social inclusion.
