The International Women's Dialogue "The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development" was held in the "Awaza" National Tourist Zone.

The large-scale forum was attended by leaders and representatives of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, public organizations of the country, the parliaments of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Republic of Türkiye, and specialized structures of the United Nations, as well as the Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Opening the forum, the Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, Dunyagozel Gulmanova, warmly welcomed those present and noted that delegations from different states, headed by leaders and members of parliaments, governments, civil society institutions and authoritative international structures, are taking part in the event. Such a representative composition of the forum's delegates testifies to the great interest of the international community in the question of the role of women in modern society and the state.

Continuing, the head of the national parliament expressed firm confidence that the speeches and proposals made at the plenary and sectional sessions of the Dialogue are intended to contribute to further strengthening the international legal foundations for women's participation in resolving the pressing issues on today's global agenda.

Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that Turkmenistan, a state whose neutral status has been recognized and confirmed three times by resolutions of the United Nations, firmly follows the path of strengthening international peace, security and stability and ensuring sustainable development. At the same time, as was stressed, one of the most important priorities of our country's state policy is comprehensive support for women's participation in the affairs of the state and society, as well as in the development of Turkmenistan's international relations.

"We regard the present International Dialogue as an excellent opportunity for a broad exchange of views and for developing concrete and constructive proposals aimed at creating favorable conditions for advancing important international initiatives and their practical implementation," said Dunyagozel Gulmanova, once again cordially greeting everyone and wishing fruitful work and success in holding the present forum.

As the head of the national parliament noted, under the wise leadership of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, large-scale work is being carried out to strengthen the role of women in society, public administration and the implementation of international diplomacy.

It was stressed that the national legal system includes guarantees ensuring equal rights for men and women. The Constitution of the country recognizes the equal rights and freedoms of all citizens regardless of sex. The Law of Turkmenistan "On State Guarantees of Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities for Women and Men" has become a fundamental mechanism for ensuring gender equality in all spheres.

To promote gender equality in our country and expand the rights and opportunities of women, the "National Action Plan on Gender Equality in Turkmenistan for 2026–2030" is being successfully implemented. Along with this, Turkmenistan is a party to the main international agreements, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Close cooperation with such structures as UN Women and the United Nations Population Fund facilitates the implementation of the relevant programs. Proceeding from the importance of ensuring gender equality as a key factor of sustainable development and peace, our country puts forward international initiatives and takes an active part in regional programs aimed at strengthening the role of women.

The floor was then given to the participants of the plenary session.

Warmly greeting the forum's delegates, the Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Valentina Matviyenko, emphasized the symbolism of holding the present international event in Turkmenistan on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people. As was noted, Hero-Arkadag always stresses that women are treated with great reverence in Turkmenistan, and high respect for their dignity has been elevated to the rank of sanctity.

"This forum shows that, thanks to the personal attention of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, all opportunities have been created in Turkmenistan for women's self-realization and their participation in all spheres of the life of the state and society," said Valentina Matviyenko.

The forum is being held in a year of special significance for Turkmenistan, the glorious 35th anniversary of independence. Stressing the symbolism of the present event, Valentina Matviyenko expressed gratitude to the Turkmen side for the high organizational level of the representative meeting and the conditions created for fruitful work.

Speaking next, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Xiaojun Grace Wang, warmly greeting those gathered on behalf of the UN Office in our country, stressed that it is a great honor for her to take part in the International Women's Dialogue, and expressed gratitude to the Turkmen side for the conditions created for discussing pressing issues of the global agenda.

The work being carried out in Turkmenistan to ensure gender equality is exemplary in nature, Xiaojun Grace Wang continued, noting the significance of the recently approved "National Action Plan on Gender Equality in Turkmenistan for 2026–2030."

In this context, confidence was expressed that today's Dialogue will contribute to the adoption of concrete decisions aimed at protecting rights, expanding opportunities and improving the living conditions of women around the world.

Gender equality is one of the main areas of cooperation between the UN and Turkmenistan in the field of sustainable development, said the UN Resident Coordinator in our country, noting with satisfaction that bilateral partnership in this sphere is actively developing.

Emphasizing the significance of the adoption by the UN General Assembly, on the initiative of Turkmenistan, of the Resolution declaring 2028 the Year of International Law, Xiaojun Grace Wang noted that the tasks outlined in this document correspond to the goals of the UN resolutions on the "Women, Peace and Security" agenda. In this context, attention was drawn to the key role of women in international law.

The floor was next given to the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Chairperson of the Committee on Family and Women's Affairs Dilnozakhon Kattakhanova, who, expressing gratitude to the Turkmen side for the hospitality shown, noted that the foreign policy pursued by Turkmenistan, based on the legal status of permanent neutrality, and the declaration by the UN, on our country's initiative, of 2025 as the "International Year of Peace and Trust," serve as a reliable basis for strengthening trust and interstate dialogue.

Noting the comprehensive nature of Uzbek-Turkmen strategic cooperation, Dilnozakhon Kattakhanova stressed that women's participation in matters of peace and security in the context of globalization must be backed by concrete mechanisms. In this context, emphasis was placed on the importance of ensuring women's access to quality education.

The Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Chairperson of the Committee on Family and Women's Affairs voiced a number of initiatives of regional significance, in particular concerning the program "Women Support Peace and Dialogue," the holding in 2027 of a joint business forum of women entrepreneurs of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the creation of a Center for the Support of Digital Projects for Women, and the expansion of their participation in environmental projects.

Having proposed to establish an Interstate Working Commission, as well as to hold the next Women's Dialogue in Uzbekistan, Dilnozakhon Kattakhanova concluded her speech.

The Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan Akmaral Alnazarova, expressing gratitude to the Turkmen side for the warm welcome, noted that Turkmenistan is a reliable partner of Kazakhstan. At the same time, it was noted with satisfaction that cooperation between our countries has a special character.

As was stressed, ensuring the equality of women and protecting their rights at the legislative level is one of the priorities of Kazakhstan's policy. Speaking about the institutional and legislative framework, Akmaral Alnazarova noted the activities of the National Commission on Women's Affairs and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The adoption of correct political decisions is natural where there is gender parity and where women's position is more active and principled, said the Minister of Health of the neighboring country, concluding her speech with the Turkmen proverb "Agzybirlik – güýçdür (Unity is strength)."

The floor was then given to the Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd, who expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan for organizing the international forum and creating an authoritative dialogue platform. As was noted, joint discussion of important socio-economic issues makes it possible to draw the attention of the world community to the decisive role of women in ensuring well-being and harmonious development and in strengthening the power of the state.

"Iranian women, whose fate is inseparably linked with the fate of the country, raising the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism, are achieving great success in science, sports, art and public administration. They are not only observers but actively participate in making history," said the guest.

The representative of the IRI also emphasized key aspects of the strategy of modern development. Today this concept goes beyond purely economic indicators such as GDP and includes important dimensions: justice, equal access and the realization of human capital.

Continuing, it was noted that Iran's state policy is aimed at creating institutional foundations for strengthening the institution of the family, eliminating discrimination and enabling women's self-realization. Along with this, a comprehensive infrastructure has been formed to support women's entrepreneurship.

Concluding her speech, Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd stressed that investment in women and their active participation in decision-making on the pressing issues of our time lay the foundation for ensuring a more stable future for the entire region.

The floor was then given to the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Education, Science, Culture and Social Development of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus Natalya Pavlyuchenko, who conveyed warm words of greeting from the head of the upper chamber of the Belarusian parliament and expressed sincere gratitude to the Turkmen side for the high level of organization of the forum.

Natalya Pavlyuchenko highly appreciated Turkmenistan's peace-loving foreign policy course, based on the legal status of neutrality, and the constructive initiatives of strategic importance put forward by our country within the UN, including the creation of an international network of support centers, the "Humanitarian Hubs," the declaration of the Year of International Law, and the development of the Dialogue of Women of Central Asian Countries.

As was noted, President Alexander Lukashenko declared 2026 the Year of the Belarusian Woman in the Republic of Belarus. The country has a coordinating body, the National Council on Gender Policy under the Government, which carries out activities aimed at creating equal conditions for women and men, including ensuring equal pay and other indicators.

Noting that the International Family Forum will be held on October 12–13 of this year in the city of Polotsk, Natalya Pavlyuchenko invited the participants of the Dialogue to the Republic of Belarus for an exchange of views and experience.

In conclusion, the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Education, Science, Culture and Social Development of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditional family values, stressed that today this issue goes far beyond purely social or humanitarian policy and serves as the basis for ensuring national security and the sustainable development of states.

Next to speak was the Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services of the Republic of Türkiye Sevim Sayım Madak, who expressed gratitude to the Turkmen side for organizing such a historically significant event in Awaza. The representative of the brotherly country also noted that she was glad to be in Turkmenistan in the year of celebrating the glorious 35th anniversary of independence, extending to the Turkmen people wishes for peace, well-being and prosperity.

As was stressed, bilateral ties are based on a common history, language and culture. In this context, Sevim Sayım Madak noted the great importance of the bonds of friendship not only for interstate cooperation but also for the future of the region.

Speaking about the importance of the present International Women's Dialogue "The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development," the Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services of Türkiye noted that the forum's agenda touches on pressing issues of our time.

Women's access to education, health care, employment and economic opportunities, active participation in decision-making, and ensuring a happy life are not only an expansion of their rights but also key factors of well-being and sustainable development.

As was noted, Türkiye highly appreciates the conditions being created for the self-realization of Turkmen women and their activities in economic and public life. In this context, Sevim Sayım Madak expressed confidence that strong bilateral relations will serve as a basis for establishing new partnership ties that will significantly strengthen the role of women in shaping the future of our societies.

Speaking next, the head of the Women's Congress of the Kyrgyz Republic Zamira Akbagysheva, expressing gratitude to the Turkmen side for the hospitality shown and the high level of organization of the International Women's Dialogue, noted that great importance is attached in Turkmenistan to ensuring the full participation of women in public life.

Particular emphasis was placed on the work carried out by Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship. As was stressed, the care Oguljahan Atabayeva shows for the health and well-being of children and the social support provided to families are a vivid example of women's leadership in the humanitarian sphere.

Among the strategic tasks facing the CIS countries, Zamira Akbagysheva named strengthening the interstate women's dialogue, supporting the family, expanding women's access to high-quality education and modern technologies, and stimulating women's entrepreneurship. At the same time, it was proposed to create a permanent platform, "CIS Women for Peace and Sustainable Development," which could unite the best women's projects in the fields of education, health care, social protection, entrepreneurship, culture and peacekeeping.

Noting the diligence and high professionalism of Turkmen women, who occupy a worthy place in all spheres of state and public life, the guest called on the forum's delegates to develop interregional cooperation based on the principles of compassion and humanism.

Next to speak was Tanzila Yolchu gyzy Rustamkhanly, member of the Committee on Culture and the Committee on Public Associations and Religious Institutions of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, who noted that it is a great honor for her to take part in the International Dialogue devoted to the role of women in strengthening peace.

The special significance of holding the present representative meeting in brotherly Turkmenistan was stressed. Our peoples are united not only by geographical proximity but also by common historical roots, language, culture and traditions, and a spiritual bond that has stood the test of time.

At present, interstate cooperation is developing consistently. Close contacts at the level of the heads of state of the two countries, mutual trust and political will have a positive impact on all areas of cooperation. These relations are also reflected in interparliamentary partnership.

Ties between the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Mejlis of Turkmenistan are steadily strengthening. Vivid confirmation of this is provided by meetings of the leaders of the parliaments, as well as the Agreement on Interparliamentary Cooperation signed in Ashgabat in 2022.

The floor was then given to the Chairperson of the Council of Founders and Managers of the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Tajikistan Gulbahor Mahkamova, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such an important event. As was noted, expanding women's rights and creating opportunities for realizing their creative abilities are among the main conditions for achieving the SDGs. In this regard, confidence was expressed that the present Dialogue will contribute to the consolidation of international efforts in this direction.

Gulbahor Mahkamova also stressed that the Tajik side highly appreciates the holding of this event in Turkmenistan. As was noted, great importance is currently attached in Tajikistan to developing relations with Turkmenistan.

Tajik-Turkmen relations have roots going back centuries. A common culture, traditions and spiritual values are a key factor in bringing the two friendly peoples closer together and strengthening mutual understanding.

Respect for women has for centuries been one of the main social principles of the two peoples, and is now reflected in legal guarantees for ensuring and protecting women's legitimate interests and in initiatives aimed at further strengthening their role in society. In this context, Gulbahor Mahkamova once again stressed the significance of the International Women's Dialogue "The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development," held in Turkmenistan.

The forum then continued its work in the format of thematic sessions.

Speakers at the session "Ensuring Women's Well-Being as a Key Factor in Strengthening Peace and the Sustainable Development of Society" stressed that comprehensive protection of women's legitimate interests and the creation of favorable conditions for realizing their creative energy are an integral condition for the harmonious development of modern society. The discussions noted the leading role of women's leadership in strengthening mutual trust, maintaining international stability and advancing humanitarian dialogue. Particular attention was paid to expanding women's economic opportunities, developing their entrepreneurial initiatives and ensuring access to modern knowledge.

Highly appreciating the organizational level of the forum, representatives of the CIS countries shared national experience in implementing gender equality policy. As was noted, combining efforts at the regional and global levels contributes to the effective resolution of socially significant issues.

Representatives of specialized UN structures drew attention to the importance of inclusive participation of women in digital and innovative economic systems. Noting that comprehensive support for women's projects in science and ecology serves as a driving force for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, experts from international organizations confirmed their readiness to continue supporting regional initiatives aimed at expanding women's rights and opportunities.

Emphasis was also placed on issues of maternal and child health protection, creating a favorable environment for raising the younger generation, and protecting children's rights.

Representatives of specialized UN structures expressed gratitude to the Turkmen side for active cooperation in implementing joint programs and projects.

The thematic session devoted to ensuring the rights and legitimate interests of women in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals was attended by delegations of the Commonwealth of Independent States, as well as heads and representatives of the structures of the United Nations.

Speakers noted that the active participation of women in all spheres of state and public life is an important condition for the successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Representatives of the CIS countries became acquainted with national experience in strengthening the legislative framework, as well as in implementing comprehensive measures aimed at protecting women's rights and safeguarding motherhood and childhood.

For their part, representatives of UN structures, drawing attention to the significance of digital transformation and the introduction of innovations as effective tools for expanding the rights and opportunities of women, noted that they fully support programs aimed at promoting scientific initiatives and environmentally oriented projects involving women in the region.

The thematic session also addressed issues of protecting women's health and creating favorable conditions for raising the younger generation. According to the unanimous opinion of the forum's participants, the legal and social protection of women is a key component determining sustainable development.

Expressing confidence that the constructive proposals voiced will contribute to the consolidation of international efforts, the speakers stressed that effective dialogue between the CIS states and UN institutions will in future contribute to the implementation of national and global tasks in the field of the Sustainable Development Goals.

During the thematic session devoted to the significance of international law and the role of women in strengthening peace and sustainable development, it was noted that the international legal framework serves as a reliable basis for ensuring the full and equal participation of women in all spheres of public life. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to further improve legal norms guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of women in connection with the global issues of our time.

Representatives of the CIS countries became acquainted with the results of ongoing work to bring national legislation into line with international standards. It was stressed that the exchange of experience among the Commonwealth member states contributes to the creation of effective institutional instruments for the legal protection of citizens.

The discussions paid particular attention to issues related to women's participation in preventive diplomacy and the maintenance of international stability.

Representatives of the UN and specialized international institutions stressed the great importance of convention mechanisms in the field of human rights and in promoting UN resolutions. The speeches gave a high assessment of the work being carried out in the region to strengthen women's rights and expand their opportunities and to introduce inclusive approaches at the state level.

Expressing confidence that the recommendations developed during the thematic session will serve to further deepen legal cooperation between the CIS states and UN structures, those gathered confirmed their readiness to consolidate joint efforts aimed at ensuring peace and long-term sustainable development.

A Final Document was adopted following the results of the International Women's Dialogue.

Thus, the forum held in the "Awaza" National Tourist Zone demonstrated the commitment of the CIS countries and authoritative structures of the United Nations to building up long-term, fruitful cooperation. The adopted Final Document laid a solid foundation for the further implementation of joint projects, the strengthening of legal guarantees and the ensuring of a prosperous life for women. According to the unanimous opinion of the forum's participants, the strengthening of women's positions in the social, political, economic and humanitarian spheres will give a powerful impetus to ensuring peace and sustainable development both in the region and at the international level.

State News Agency of Turkmenistan