Samarkand hosts the Asian Women’s Forum.

The forum, dedicated to the “Regional approach to expanding the economic, social and political rights and opportunities of women”, is attended by women leaders, heads of Asian countries, women activists, and media representatives.

Among the esteemed guests are representatives from over 30 foreign countries, women parliamentarians from East, South-East, South, and Central Asia, government leaders, staff from more than 40 foreign embassies in Uzbekistan, local government officials, civil society members, businesswomen, political scientists, and social activists, all converging to share their insights and experiences.

It should be noted that the initiative to hold this forum was put forward by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly. The purpose of the forum is to realize the creative potential of women leaders in the region, exchange experience, and expand their participation in government, society, and the economy.

At the forum’s opening ceremony, Tanzila Narbayeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, read the congratulatory message of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

In the central part of the forum, the UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women Sima Sami Bahous, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva Tatiana Valovaya, the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungong and the heads of delegations delivered welcoming speeches.

The forum continues its work in 8 parallel sessions. Participants discuss women’s participation in science and education, digital technologies, poverty reduction through women’s economic empowerment, and involvement in entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation.

In addition, the issue of women’s participation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will be addressed. Particular attention will be paid to women’s economic empowerment, the role of parliaments in promoting their participation in business and society, gender-responsive budgeting, closing the gender gap in the use of financial opportunities, and ending all forms of violence against women and children.

The best practices and innovative approaches of non-governmental non-profit organizations in promoting a green economy and protecting the rights and interests of women will also be considered. Following the forum, the Samarkand Declaration is expected to be adopted.

Norgul Abduraimova, Golib Khasanov,

Photos by Alisher Isroilov, UzA