The Women Economic Forum (WEF) ASEAN 2026 Philippines is a premier international gathering of women leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, changemakers and global stakeholders committed to advancing inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across ASEAN and beyond.

Advancing women-led economic development remain at the heart of WEF ASEAN 2026, recognizing that when women thrive, economies expand, communities strengthen, and innovation accelerates. With the theme: “Women Leaders: Creating a SHEconomy Environment of Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainable Development” and a guiding message of “Together, WE Navigate the Future,” the Forum aimed to elevate women entrepreneurs, leaders and changemakers, creating access to markets, capital, mentorship and cross-border opportunities – ensuring that their contributions are not only recognize, but fully integrated into the region’s economic agenda.

Held on June 18-20, 2026 in Manila, Philippines, the Forum gathered together Government Leaders and Policymakers; ASEAN Delegates and Diplomats; Global Women Leaders and Entrepreneurs; Business Chambers and Corporate Executives; Development Organizations and NGOs; representatives from the Academe and other Institutions; and Media and Influencers.

CACCI President Peter McMullin AM delivered a Welcome Message through a prerecorded video presentation. In his Message, Mr. McMullin said that during his CACCI Presidency, he has been deeply engaged in activities aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs and that in both his business life and philanthropic life, he has endeavoured to support and promote women entrepreneurship.

He informed the participants of his recent visit to Timor-Leste, which he pointed out has just been accepted as the newest member of the ASEAN, and which will most likely serve as the venue of the CACCI Conference in 2027. He proceeded to invite the Forum participants to join him in Manila on 4-5 November for the CACCI annual gathering which will be hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He expressed appreciation for the holding of the WEF 2026 ASEAN in the Philippines and for its objective of grappling with the issues of gender diversity and women empowerment in the region, and that he fully supports this important undertaking.

CACCI Presentation

Prior to the showing of Mr. McMullin’s Welcome Message, CACCI Deputy Director-General Amador Honrado made a brief introduction on CACCI in which he highlighted the following points:

(1) CACCI is a regional body of chambers of commerce and industry, business associations and business enterprises in Asia-Pacific. It serves as a forum for promoting the vital role of businessmen in the region, increasing business interaction, and enhancing regional economic growth.

(2) Since its establishment in 1966, CACCI has grown into a network of 27 national chambers from 25 Asian countries, whose combined population of 2.7 billion represents some 40% of the world total. CACCI believes that these constituencies, when effectively mobilized, can give substance to our common commitment to economic development.

(3) CACCI recognizes the importance of its member chambers in promoting regional cooperation, which he said is especially true today. Mr. Honrado pointed out that the Forum was being held in the face of formidable challenges – both economic and political – that continue to significantly impact the regional and global market environment. The global economy is navigating a challenging landscape, with a complex interplay of factors that could lead to instability and uneven growth. These include rising geopolitical tensions, China's economic slowdown, and the risks of financial stress and trade fragmentation. These challenges are exacerbated by issues like climate change, persistent inflation, and uneven economic growth across different regions. Addressing these challenges requires global cooperation and a focus on sustainable policies to promote inclusive and equitable development.

(4) CACCI is pleased that the Forum is focusing on the role of Asian entrepreneurship – particularly women entrepreneurship - in the regional and international business world. He stated that the continuing rapid evolution of Asian economies over the next decade will require a focus on entrepreneurship as it incorporates technology and innovation change as a way to achieve global best practice, and as meeting social and sustainable needs increasingly becomes a particular key concern of many governments and trade organizations around the world. Chambers of commerce and regional business organizations such as CACCI will have a role to play in helping their respective members address the challenges before them and in promoting the role of entrepreneurship in the sustainable growth of the region.

(5) CACCI strongly believes that women entrepreneurship serves as a powerful catalyst for regional integration by boosting cross-border trade, bridging local economic disparities, and strengthening social ties. By enhancing women’s access to regional value chains, governments and regional organizations can drive inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and build resilient, interconnected communities.

(6) To fully realize this potential, regional organizations and national governments must address the systemic barriers women face. Programs must prioritize improving financial services, expanding digital literacy, and harmonizing cross-border trade policies.

(7) CACCI has formed under its umbrella the CACCI Women Entrepreneurs Council (CWEC), whose members are composed of leading women entrepreneurs from the various CACCI Member countries. Under the current chairmanship of Mrs. Mukta Nandini Jain from India, the Council meets at least once a year to discuss issues of current interest to women and women entrepreneurs. Its officers are also currently coordinating with the International Chamber of Commerce Centre of Entrepreneurship on possible areas of cooperation to help promote women leadership and women entrepreneurship not only in the Asia-Pacific region but beyond as well.

In conclusion, Mr. Honrado said that members of chambers of commerce and other business organizations need to help each other to address challenges on the basis of consultation and coordination, and pursue common development; and that they need to share their insights, build consensus, leverage on their comparative advantages to help promote development and prosperity in Asia and the world.

He further said that CACCI looks forward to a continued and strengthened relationship with the WEF ASEAN 2026 Philippines and a greater cooperative participation in their future activities.

Forum Topics

The two-day Forum featured representatives from relevant government agencies and private sector organizations from Australia, India, Malaysia and the Philippines who shared their views and perspectives on various topics, including the following:

• ASEAN Partnership and Women’s Leadership for Regional Prosperity
• Financial Inclusion, Housing Security and Women Economic Empowerment
• Strengthening Women Cooperatives for Inclusive Economic Development
• Women Empowerment Through Tourism and Sustainable Development
• Beyond Borders: The Philippines as a Rising Hub in the Global Halal System
• Women Leaders Championing Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth
• Climate Change Solutions and Natural Medicine Innovation
• Leadership, Governance and Inclusive Economic Development
• Empowering Women in the AI and Digital Era
• Strengthening Women-Led Enterprises Towards an Inclusive SHEconomy
• Innovation, Investment and Global Opportunities for Women
• Empowering Women in the Bangsamoro: Building an Inclusive Halal Economy and Sustainable ASEAN Growth
• Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Women Empowerment
• Women Entrepreneurs Creating the Future Economy