THE 14TH APEC WOMEN LEADERS NETWORK (WLN)

Over 600 women delegates from 21 APEC economies came to Singapore on 4 and 5 August 2009 to discuss issues relating to "Women and Sustainable Development", covering topics pertinent to women, including business, the knowledge economy, work-life harmony and social enterprise. The backgrounds of these women delegates ranged from government and business to academia and civil society.

Russia has been participating in the APEC WLN since 2005. This year, its delegation was headed by Irina Gorbulina, President of the Russian Academy of Business (RAB), whose mission is to promote Russian business both at home and overseas. The Academy has also initiated the National Award of Public Recognition of Women's Achievements.

The other two delegates from Russia were also members of the RAB and ably proved the renowned women's ability to multitask, fulfilling their roles as mothers, entrepreneurs and active community figures. Lyudmila Kozlova runs an auditing company called Olent and is head of the Centre of Project Management in Public and Communal Services, which is one of the most challenging fields of the Russian economy. Svetlana Gorina, who is currently writing her Ph. D. thesis, believes in life-long personal development, and juggles entrepreneurship and active membership in the Political Science Association.

The positive history Singapore has in supporting women in the workforce and social initiatives for them turned it into the perfect platform for women leaders to share their experiences and aspirations, establish and promote cooperation and transfer knowledge on regional and international levels.

In a special interview with 103rd MERIDIAN EAST, Malaysia's Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato' Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, underlined the very strong existing bilateral relationships between Russia and Malaysia. Highlighting the importance of international gatherings like APEC, her Excellency pointed out that they provide "very positive energy and strong motivation that is the first asset or capital" and crucial for success. "Women must be the bridge, the emissary between countries. I would like to invite a Russian delegation of entrepreneurs or politicians or women leaders to come to Malaysia", divulged the Minister. by Natalia Makarova