BPW 5th Young Asia pACIFIC sYMPOSIUM 2026

Deep Ocean, Deep Connection - Business Partnerships & Sustainable Environment

27–30 August 2026 | Pamookkoo Resort Phuket, Thailand

Sweta Gupta - BPW New Zealand

Overview

The 5th Young BPW Asia Pacific Symposium 2026, held in Phuket, Thailand, from 27–30 August 2026, brought together Young BPW members, BPW leaders, entrepreneurs and representatives from across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. Under the theme “Deep Ocean, Deep Connection – Business Partnerships & Sustainable Environment,” the Symposium created a platform for young women to connect across borders, exchange ideas, explore sustainable business opportunities and strengthen collaboration for inclusive development. The programme combined leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, sustainability, financial literacy, youth engagement, international partnerships and cultural exchange.

Opening and Key Messages

The Symposium opened with addresses from BPW Thailand and BPW International leadership, followed by a keynote on “Empowering Women, Strengthening Society.” The UNDP Thailand contribution, “Stronger Communities: Women Entrepreneurs Driving Sustainable Change,” reinforced the important role of women entrepreneurs in creating sustainable and resilient communities. The opening programme also introduced BPW International, its regional structures, Standing Committees and participating Young BPW members, strengthening understanding of BPW’s international network.

Major Programme Highlights

Young Women, Leadership and Innovation

The Young BPW Creative Challenge and Science & Technology Awards showcased the creativity and innovation of young women, recognising emerging talent and encouraging young BPW members to use technology and new ideas to create positive impact. Deep Connection and Regional Exchange Panel discussions explored the meaning of “Deep Ocean, Deep Connection”, bringing together perspectives from Young BPW members, business leaders and representatives from different countries. The Young BPW Asia Pacific Country Reports provided an opportunity to share national experiences, initiatives, achievements and challenges, strengthening regional learning and collaboration. Financial Literacy The presentation of BPW Thailand Financial Literacy Projects demonstrated how practical financial education can support women’s economic empowerment and strengthen women’s ability to participate confidently in business and economic life.

Sustainable Business and Global Partnerships

The session on “Advancing Sustainable Business Strategies for Global Partnerships” focused on the importance of developing sustainable business approaches and building meaningful international partnerships. This provided a valuable bridge between BPW’s business network and broader opportunities for regional and global collaboration. Youth Consultation and Collaboration The UNESCO Youth Consultation provided a dedicated platform for young participants to contribute their perspectives. The panel “From Connection to Collaboration” further emphasised that networking should move beyond introductions and develop into meaningful relationships, partnerships and joint action.

From Ideas to Action

A key highlight was the UNDP Thailand-supported Hackathon: “Deep Connection: From Ideas to Actions – Expanding Network for Sustainable and Inclusive Development.” As a representative of BPW New Zealand, I participated in a diverse international team comprising representatives from BPW Malaysia, BPW UAE, Young BPW Taiwan, Young BPW Papua New Guinea, Young BPW Jordan, BPW Japan and BPW New Zealand. Our team selected the theme: “Her Voice, Her Choice – Women’s Health & Wellbeing” The team brainstormed the key challenges and opportunities relating to women's health and wellbeing and explored how the proposed initiative could contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An important outcome of the discussion was the intention to take the idea beyond the Hackathon and explore practical initiatives at the national level. The seven participating country representatives agreed on the value of maintaining regular communication and collaboration on this topic, with the aim of developing a strategic plan and identifying practical initiatives that can be implemented within their respective countries. Dr Nobuko Kurosaki, MD – BPW East Asia Sub regional Coordinator kindly offered to be our advisor on this initiative. This approach reflects the core message of the Symposium — moving from connection to collaboration, and from ideas to meaningful action and impact. The initiative also provides an opportunity to demonstrate how the BPW network can work across borders to address shared challenges affecting women, while allowing each country to develop initiatives that respond to its own local needs and context.

Cultural Connection and BPW Spirit The Symposium also celebrated the diversity of BPW through national performances, Thai heritage, cultural exchange and the Young BPW Candlelight Ceremony held during BPW International’s 96th Anniversary Celebration. Activities such as “Noodles Without Borders,” the Sunset Cruise, Cultural Regenerative Story Trip and Phuket Old Town experience provided informal opportunities for participants to build friendships and deepen cross-cultural understanding.

Key Outcomes The Symposium highlighted several important priorities for Young BPW across the Asia Pacific region:

• Stronger regional connections among Young BPW members.

• Greater opportunities for cross-border business partnerships and collaboration.

• Increased focus on sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurship.

• Recognition of technology, creativity and innovation as tools for women’s advancement.

• Greater emphasis on financial literacy and economic empowerment.

• Stronger engagement of young women in international dialogue and decision making.

• Moving from networking to practical collaboration and action.

• Building relationships across cultures and generations within BPW.

Conclusion

The 5th Young BPW Asia Pacific Symposium demonstrated the strength and potential of BPW’s young women as leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers. The theme “Deep Ocean, Deep Connection” provided a powerful metaphor for the Symposium: meaningful change requires us to go beyond surface-level connections and build deeper relationships based on trust, shared purpose and collaboration. The Symposium ultimately encouraged Young BPW members to connect deeply, collaborate boldly and turn ideas into action for a more sustainable, inclusive and connected Asia Pacific region.