The Summit on Women's Leadership in STEM
Joint Statement from Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States
October 23, 2020
Special Assistant to the Foreign Minister of Japan and Ambassador in Charge of Women's Issues Atsuko Nishimura, the Republic of Korea's Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs Lee Seong-ho, and U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues Kelley Currie led the second Japan-Republic of Korea-United States Women's Empowerment Trilateral Conference on October 19 - 23, 2020, from Tokyo, Seoul, and Washington, D.C.
This year's Summit focused on Women's Leadership in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), bringing together more than 47 leaders from government, business, and civil society to emphasize the vital role women play in advancing global STEM initiatives. The discussion also focused on the future of the economic growth and prosperity of the three countries. More than 500 people registered for the interactive, virtual conference from 33 other countries around the world.
Employment in STEM occupations is projected to increase significantly over the next ten years compared to other industries. During the summit, participants discussed ways to work together to remove barriers to women's participation in STEM industries. Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States reiterated their continued commitment to trilateral cooperation and to seeking new opportunities for collaboration on regional and global issues. All three countries further acknowledged and recognized the barriers that continue to keep women from fully participating in the global economy, and committed to exploring new, effective programs and hosting a Women's Empowerment trilateral meeting in the future to bring together women and girls including through exchange programs.
Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States also will seek to work together to advance the goals of the Women's Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative to support women around the world, including workforce and training opportunities for women in STEM.
To learn more, or to watch the videos and panels from the summit, please visit: womenstemleaders.com/.
