International Women’s Dialogue: “The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development”

On October 7, 2026, the International Women’s Dialogue entitled “The Role of Women in Maintaining Peace and Achieving Sustainable Development” was held in the National Tourist Zone “Avaza”.

The forum was attended by the leadership and representatives of parliaments, relevant ministries and agencies, and public organizations from Turkmenistan and foreign countries, as well as experts of specialized UN agencies and other multilateral bodies.

In her opening remarks, the Chairwoman of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan Dunyagozel Gulmanova warmly welcomed the participants and noted that the high-level composition of the delegations serves as a proof to the international community’s great interest in the role of women in modern society and the state.

Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that Turkmenistan, as a state whose neutral status has been recognized and reaffirmed three times by UN resolutions, remains firmly committed to strengthening international peace, security, and stability, and to ensuring sustainable development.

The Chairwoman of the national parliament noted, under the wise leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, significant efforts are being undertaken to strengthen the role of women in society, public administration, and international diplomacy.

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

After warmly welcoming the forum delegates, the Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko highlighted the symbolic significance of holding this international event in Turkmenistan at the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people. It was noted that Hero-Arkadag consistently emphasizes the deep respect for women in Turkmenistan, where the high regard for their merits is elevated to a sacred status.

“This forum demonstrates that, thanks to the personal attention of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Turkmenistan has created every opportunity for women to realize their potential and participate in all spheres of state and public life”, said Valentina Matviyenko.

Next, the UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Xiaojun Grace Wang took the floor. “I thank the Government of Turkmenistan for providing this wonderful opportunity to unite us all around this vitally important agenda” she emphasized.

Highlighting the significance of the UN General Assembly’s adoption –at Turkmenistan’s initiative – of the resolution declaring 2028 the Year of International Law, Xiaojun Grace Wang noted that the objectives outlined in the document align with the goals of UN resolutions regarding the “Women, Peace and Security” agenda. In this context, emphasis was placed on the pivotal role of women in international law.

The floor was then given to Dilnozaxon Kattaxonova, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family and Women’s Affairs. Acknowledging the comprehensive nature of the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, Ms. Kattaxonova emphasized that women’s participation in peace and security matters in the era of globalization must be supported by concrete mechanisms.

Dilnozaxon Kattaxonova concluded her remarks by proposing the establishment of an interstate working commission and the hosting of the next Women’s Dialogue in Uzbekistan.

Next, Minister of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan Akmaral Alnazarova delivered an address. It was emphasized that ensuring gender equality and protecting women’s rights at the legislative level are among the priorities of Kazakhstan’s policy.

The floor was then given to Farzaneh Sadegh Malvajerd, Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“Iranian women, whose destiny is inseparably linked to that of the country, are achieving great success in science, sports, the arts, and public administration while raising the younger generation in a spirit of patriotism. They are not merely observers but active participants in shaping history,” the Minister noted.

It was highlighted that Iran’s state policy aims to establish institutional frameworks to strengthen the family unit, eliminate discrimination, and foster women’s self-realization. Concurrently, a comprehensive infrastructure has been developed to support women’s entrepreneurship.

Next, the floor was given to Natalia Pavlyuchenko, Chair of the Standing Commission on Education, Science, Culture, and Social Development of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus. It was noted that President Alexander Lukashenko has declared 2026 the “Year of the Belarusian Woman” in the Republic of Belarus.

Noting that the International Family Forum is scheduled to take place in the city of Polotsk on October 12 – 13 of this year, Natalia Pavlyuchenko invited the Dialogue participants to the Republic of Belarus to exchange views and experiences.

Then, the Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services of the Republic of Türkiye Sevim Sayım Madak delivered an address. 

It was noted that Türkiye highly values the conditions being created for the self-realization of Turkmen women and their active participation in economic and public life. In this context, Sevim Sayım Madak expressed confidence that strong bilateral relations would serve as a foundation for establishing new partnerships that would significantly strengthen the role of women in shaping the future of our societies.

Then, the Head of the Congress of Women of the Kyrgyz Republic Zamira Akbagysheva gave a speech, expressing gratitude to the Turkmen side for the hospitality and the high level of organization of the International Women’s Dialogue.

Special emphasis was placed on the work carried out by the Vice President for Medical Affairs at the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to the Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Oguljahan Atabayeva. It was highlighted that the care Oguljahan Atabayeva shows for the health and well-being of children, as well as the social support provided to families, serves as a bright example of women’s leadership in the humanitarian sphere. Next, Tanzila Yolchu ghizi Rustamkhanli, a member of the Committee on Culture and the Committee on Public Associations and Religious Institutions of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, took the floor.

It was noted that close contacts between 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 the inter-parliamentary partnership.

Afterwards, the floor was given to Gulbakhor Makhkamova, Chairperson of the Council of Founders and Governors of the National Association of Businesswomen of the Republic of Tajikistan. She emphasized that the Tajik side highly appreciates the holding of this Dialogue in Turkmenistan.

It was noted that respect for women has long been a fundamental social principle for the Tajik and Turkmen peoples; today, this is reflected in legal guarantees for securing and protecting women’s legitimate interests and in initiatives aimed at further strengthening their role in society.

The forum then continued its work in thematic sessions. Representatives of the UN and relevant international institutions emphasized the great importance of human rights treaty mechanisms and the promotion of UN resolutions. Speakers highly commended the work being done in the region to strengthen women’s rights and empowerment, as well as the implementation of inclusive approaches at the state level.

It was particularly noted that the active participation of women in all spheres of state and public life is a crucial condition for the successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The final document was adopted following the outcomes of the International Women’s Dialogue.