APEC Bulletin 21 May 2024
Women's Inclusion in Trade Lies in Collective Efforts
By Elizabeth Galdo, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Peru
As Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, trade lies at the heart of the endeavors my sector puts forward. We recognize that trade can be a powerful tool for economic progress and social advancement. However, for trade to truly work for all, it must be underpinned by the principles of resiliency, inclusion and sustainability. We cannot afford to leave anyone behind in our pursuit of economic growth.
Resiliency is essential in navigating the uncertainties and challenges that characterize the global landscape. As we confront evolving geopolitical dynamics, technological disruptions, and environmental challenges, we must build resilient economies that can withstand shocks and adapt to change. In doing so, we can create opportunities for women to thrive in a rapidly changing world, enabling them to overcome adversity and seize new possibilities.
Through initiatives aimed at inclusive trade, we strive to break down the barriers that exclude women from participating fully in the economy, whether due to discriminatory practices, lack of access to resources, or cultural norms. By fostering an environment where diversity is embraced and all voices are heard, we can harness the full potential of our human capital and drive inclusive growth that benefits everyone.
Studies show the persistent issues women face when participating in the economy and reaching leadership positions: socio-cultural norms, wage inequality, limited access to networks, work-life balance challenges, among others.
We must face these issues through collective efforts. As APEC host for 2024, Peru is glad to provide a high-level platform for these discussions, showing our will and common interest to address our current problems, and showing our citizens that we are prioritizing women’s empowerment, gender equality and inclusive growth.
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Elizabeth Galdo is Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism and is co-chair of the Joint Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Women and Ministers Responsible for Trade.
Disaster Management Saves Lives, Good for the Economy
Issued by the 2024 Senior Disaster Management Officials' Forum
Arequipa, Peru, 20 May 2024
As major disasters intensify, become more rampant, and affect communities more frequently, APEC economies face massive challenges to respond to and mitigate disasters, cushioning its economic and development impacts, and protecting people’s lives.
“We are meeting against the backdrop of a gloomy outlook of emergency and disaster management,” said Juan Carlos Urcariegui Reyes, Chair of the Senior Disaster Management Officials’ Forum.
“To this end, it is of utmost importance to exchange experiences and lessons learned in solidarity aimed at strengthening the livelihood of our communities in the Asia-Pacific region,” added Urcariegui who is also the Chief of National Institute of Civil Defense and General of the Division of Army of Peru.
Senior disaster officials met in Arequipa last week to deepen their cooperation and enhance emergency preparedness that considers the sustainability and inclusivity aspect, as well as taking a more community approach.
Officials are building more capacity in emergency preparedness for communities, empowering them to engage in all emergency management phases—prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
“This theme must guide us, by virtue of our experiences and realities, to design strategies for optimal disaster risk management so that we can adequately serve our communities through international engagement, as well as through mutual and timely support,” Chief Urcariegui said.
“With this, we will strengthen our capacities so that with intelligence, perseverance and in particular, with the dedication to serve, we can face emergencies, attend to our communities and above all, save lives,” Chief Urcariegui continued.
Disasters often start and end with the local communities that are affected, and it is increasingly crucial for governments to intensify the ability of these communities to be prepared and to act when disaster starts to strike. This includes stakeholder mapping, strengthening community engagement, data gathering and risk mapping.
“While we understand that improving communities’ capacities is important in facing tomorrow’s hazards, building capacity at the local level appears as a great challenge,” said Luis Doñas, acting co-chair of the APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group at the forum.
“One way of addressing this is by establishing specialized unit for disaster risk management within the local government and municipalities, and equipping it with appropriate funding and staff,” Doñas added. “We can also develop some regulations that require or mandate local governments to develop both disaster risk and emergency preparedness planning.”
Member economies recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all measure to empower communities for emergency preparedness and disaster response. Training and education, as well as the use of technology, can help tailor the needs for each community and meet their needs.
“Only by working together with determination and vision can we achieve our goal of contributing to our communities for a better and secure future sustainable for all,” Chief Urcariegui concluded.
For further details, please contact:
Masyitha Baziad +65 9751 2146 at mb@apec.org
Michael Chapnick +65 9647 4847 at mc@apec.org
