On June 21, 2024, the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) hosted the inaugural CanWIN Global Summit. The theme of the Summit was Beyond Boundaries: Gender Inclusive Prosperity in Canada and Asia, which was reflected in engaging panel discussions and keynote speeches.
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, opened the day’s program with a keynote speech. Minister Ng provided an update on the economic impact that the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Fund, which supports CanWIN activities and APF Canada’s Women’s Business Mission Series to Asia, has had on Canada’s economy and women entrepreneurs. By advancing gender equality and women’s economic participation, she said, Canada could add up to $150 billion in GDP.
The Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship: Economic Reconciliation panel session was a significant highlight of the Summit. In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Elder Dorothy Peters opened the panel with a smudging ceremony and a prayer. With Indigenous panellists from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Taiwan, the session included fruitful discussions on the role of global trade in economic reconciliation and the advancement of Indigenous Peoples.
Indigenous Peoples across the Pacific have engaged in trade for generations, and we learned how this practice can be leveraged to expand Indigenous economic opportunities in the modern global economy. Traci Houpapa, the Co-Chair of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA) Partnership Council, shared that the framework of IPETCA is an essential tool for Indigenous Peoples to utilize in sharing knowledge, best practices, and increasing Indigenous Peoples’ participation in international trade. Panellists echoed the importance of including Indigenous Peoples in the global supply chain.
Attendees of the CanWIN Global Summit also found the panel session, Tomorrow’s Leaders: Women Entrepreneurs Driving Economic Growth Through Internationalization, inspiring. Canadian women entrepreneur panellists shared personal experiences founding and growing their businesses in markets in the Asia Pacific.
The day ended with the results of the Bridge to Asia: A Pitch Competition for NextGen Canadian Entrepreneurs. Finalists in the pitch competition included Lianna Genovese, CEO and founder of ImaginAble Solutions Inc.; Leisa Hirtz, CEO and founder of Bfree | Women's Global Health Innovations; Dr. Natalia Mykhaylova, CEO and founder of WeavAir; Rosana Pinacio Iwasaki, CEO and co-founder of Ori.Gatou Creative Solutions Inc.; Dr. Carla Spina, CEO and co-founder of Noa Therapeutics; and, Dr. Shari van de Pol, CEO and founder of CATTLEytics Inc.
Winners:
- Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada CanWIN Prize
Dr. Natalia Mykhaylova, CEO and founder of WeavAir
- GeneBioMedical Prize
Dr. Carla Spina, CEO and co-founder of Noa Therapeutics
- Air Canada Prize
Leisa Hirtz, CEO and founder of Bfree | Women's Global Health Innovations
The inaugural CanWIN Global Summit represented a pivotal moment in advancing gender equity and relations between Canada and the Asia Pacific. The Summit celebrated the achievements of women leaders and entrepreneurs and catalyzed new partnerships and connections. By continuing to amplify women entrepreneurs in both Canada and the Asia Pacific region, we can enhance equitable global economic growth for all.
