The APEC Modernizing the Care Economy project advances APEC’s commitment to building a robust and resilient care economy - one that delivers tangible social and economic benefits through strengthening quality care systems and working to address the disproportionate burden of care placed on women and girls. The report seeks to identify new and emerging practices to modernize the care economy to support economies to strengthen care systems, unlock workforce participation, improve productivity in respect of care quality and decent work, and reduce inequalities. 

This report draws on presentations and discussions at two APEC Modernizing the Care Economy workshops held in April and May 2026. It also draws on desk research and consultation with relevant local and regional agencies, representatives of member economies and care economy experts. Practical examples from across APEC demonstrate how governments, businesses, communities and regional organizations are working to modernize their care economies in diverse ways.