The Asia-Pacific Inclusive Care Economy Forum took place on 22-23 June, 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, organized by UN Women, the gender entity for the United Nations, Asia Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN), a top social investor network in the region, and Kiddocare, an on-demand babysitting platform providing solutions in the care economy. 

The Forum took place as an official side-event to the AVPN Global Conference 2023 and brought together entrepreneurs, investors, governments, and other stakeholders to explore pathways for effective investment in care enterprises, to advance women's economic empowerment. The Forum showcased innovative care delivery models and highlighted their impact and potential.  

UN Women has championed gender-responsive and inclusive care entrepreneurship accross the region. In 2021, UN Women launched the first ever Care Accelerator (CA) in Asia and the Pacific to support leading startups in the care sector. Katja Freiwald, Lead, Women’s Economic Empowerment and Migration, UN Women regional office for Asia and the Pacific highlighted the important link between women’s economic empowerment and investments in the care economy. “Today, we're excited to announce the CA 2.0 cohort. The CA is a 10-month long programme that brings together diverse entrepreneurs with investors and other ecosystem players to strengthen their solutions for accessible, affordable and qualitative care.” 

Commenting on the significance of the Forum, Patricia Mathias, Director, AVPN Gender Platform, stated the the Forum was, “a critical milestone in our collective journey towards building a just and compassionate society. By convening diverse stakeholders, we aim to inspire bold actions and amplify the voices of those working tirelessly in the care sector. Through collaboration and innovation, we can create sustainable models that recognize, support, and empower caregivers while redefining the care economy for the benefit of all.” 

"We aim to foster stronger ties among all key players in the care sector, facilitating collaboration and innovation that will lead to a more diversified investment landscape. Through our efforts in professionalising care workers, we recognise their crucial role and impact in society. This Forum has been instrumental in bringing the APAC region together, fostering shared knowledge and driving collective action. Together, we can build an inclusive care economy that uplifts communities, supports economic growth, and advances the wellbeing of all." said by the CEO and Founder of Kiddocare, Nadira Yusoff. 

In addition to showcasing care delivery models, the Forum included plenary and breakout sessions to foster collaboration and networking among different stakeholders. It sensitized investors to the benefits of gender-lens investing in the care economy and helped raise awareness about this vital sector.  

Participants in the Forum agreed to establish an Asia-Pacific care stakeholder community, to support the Global Alliance for Care movement. Recommendations from the Forum will be presented at the global Women Deliver Conference in July 2023, and will be presented to the working groups of the G20.

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