International Conference "The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation for Sustainable Development" held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone

On 11 December 2025, the International Conference "The Role of Women in Modern Society: Developing International Cooperation for Sustainable Development" was held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone. The Conference was organized by the Government of Turkmenistan and the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in cooperation with the United Nations.

Following the official joint photo ceremony, participants of the International Conference visited an exhibition showcasing Turkmenistan’s achievements and successes in the field of foreign policy over the past 30 years.

Opening the Forum, Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Oguljahan Atabayeva, expressed her gratitude to all participants for taking part in the International Conference.

Expressing confidence that the Forum participants would engage in active and constructive dialogue, Oguljahan Atabayeva wished everyone productive work.

She then continued her address in Russian, one of the official languages of the United Nations, emphasizing that it was a great honor for her to speak at this unique Conference and expressing hope that it would become a tradition.

“We also believe that the Conference will serve as a valuable platform for the exchange of practical experience and competencies, and will help more clearly define prospects for joint international activities in this field,” Oguljahan Atabayeva noted.

Continuing her remarks, the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund first of all emphasized that the current meeting was taking place at a special time, when the international agenda requires not only declarations of commitment to humanism, but also the search for practical solutions that unite states.

Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that it is women who shape a child’s first life values, create an atmosphere of trust within the family, and transmit a culture of peace, respect, and confidence.

 “As is well known, Turkmen society has traditionally been built on respect and reverence for women,” Oguljahan Atabayeva continued. “In his remarkable work ‘Veneration of the Mother – Reverence for the Sacred’, Hero-Arkadag writes: ‘All that is most beautiful in our lives is in one way or another connected with the mother.’”

The Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov implements a wide range of large-scale programs in this area. These include programs aimed at protecting the health of mothers and children, establishing child-friendly schools and hospitals in cooperation with UNICEF, rehabilitating children in specialized centers, and providing international humanitarian assistance — from Türkiye to Palestine, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and other regions.

In this regard, the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund also emphasized the significance of the Central Asian Women’s Dialogue. The meeting of Dialogue participants held on 25 November 2025 in Dushanbe demonstrated that women’s leadership is gaining strength, becoming an increasingly tangible factor of regional trust and a mechanism for strengthening interstate cooperation.

 “In the International Year of Peace and Trust, we seek to put forward concrete proposals that can contribute to international cooperation mechanisms, the development of new effective formats and platforms for multilateral interaction, including within the framework of the United Nations,” the Vice President stated.

First initiative: Global Pact on Children’s Health.

Within the framework of this initiative, it is proposed to establish an international Pact on children’s health, which would become one of the platforms for uniting joint efforts in this area at the international level. Its goal is to form a unified space of responsibility for states and international organizations for children’s health, regardless of their place of residence, social status, or living conditions.

In essence, the Global Pact on Children’s Health could become an updated global agreement – an instrument that unites the efforts of the United Nations, UNICEF, the World Health Organization, governments, and humanitarian foundations, and forms an international humanitarian consensus on the inadmissibility of inequality in access to health care for children.

Second initiative: International Network of Support Centers for Women and Children – “Humanitarian Hubs”.

This initiative envisages the creation of a flexible global humanitarian support infrastructure – a network of Humanitarian Hubs to be located in countries facing conflicts, natural disasters, migration flows, or social crises.

A key component of this initiative is the establishment of a unified international coordination platform that will bring together the efforts of such major actors as UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, UNFPA, UN Women, leading charitable foundations, and public organizations.

“I hope that the initiatives voiced will receive support and understanding from the international community,” Oguljahan Atabayeva noted, reaffirming the readiness of the Turkmen side for constructive dialogue on their implementation.

Concluding her address, Oguljahan Atabayeva called on everyone to follow the example of children and to build a peaceful and predictable future for them.

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

The Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund Oguljahan Atabayeva was the first to give the floor to the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Ms. Tatiana Valovaya.

Noting that ensuring gender equality and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals are among the most pressing challenges of our time, Ms. Tatiana Valovaya emphasized the importance of the activities of international organizations in promoting women’s rights and increasing their participation in public life. A major role in these processes is played by the United Nations.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations also highly praised Turkmenistan’s activities in this area.

High appreciation was expressed for Turkmenistan’s contribution to strengthening the activities of specialized UN agencies and regional centers, aimed at promoting a comprehensive approach to the implementation of international commitments and fostering the formation of an inclusive society at the global level.

The floor was then given to the Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ms. Saida Mirziyoyeva.

Expressing gratitude to the Head of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people for the hospitality extended and the high organizational level of the Forum, the Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Uzbekistan emphasized the importance of the Conference agenda items related to the development of the institution of the family and strengthening the role of women in society.

In this context, confidence was expressed that new approaches to expanding women’s rights and opportunities would be developed during the Forum.

Thanking Ms. Saida Mirziyoyeva for her substantive address, the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund noted that it emphasized the importance of social protection, support for children and families, as well as the creation of equal opportunities for all citizens.

The moderator then gave the floor to the representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan – Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Ms. Leyla Aliyeva.

Thanking the organizers for the invitation to such an important International Conference, the guest emphasized the significance of strengthening the role of women in society and preserving family values in the modern world. The Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation expressed confidence that the outcomes of the current Forum, held on the picturesque shores of the Caspian Sea, would lay a solid foundation for long-term cooperation in this field.

Expressing sincere gratitude to the representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan for her comprehensive address, the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund noted that the ideas voiced drew attention to the importance of humanitarian and cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and supporting socially significant projects in the global context. In this regard, Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasized the significance of the activities of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

The floor was then given to the Chairperson of the National Assembly of São Tomé and Príncipe, Ms. Celmira do Sacramento.

Noting that she was pleased to take part in the current International Conference, which serves as an effective platform for developing coordinated measures and exchanging best practices to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the field of gender equality, Ms. Celmira do Sacramento wished success to the Forum’s work.

In her address, the Chairperson of the National Assembly of São Tomé and Príncipe highly praised Turkmenistan’s achievements in ensuring gender equality.

The Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund expressed her gratitude to Ms. Selmira do Sacramento for her address, which highlighted aspects reflecting São Tomé and Príncipe’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and expanding women’s participation in political and public processes, in line with global priorities of the international community.

The floor was then given to the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan, Ms. Mansuri Dilrabo Saidullo.

Thanking the organizers for the invitation to the International Conference and for the hospitality extended on Turkmen soil, Ms. Mansuri Dilrabo Saidullo noted that Turkmenistan’s state policy places special emphasis on strengthening the role of women in society. The Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan expressed confidence that the outcomes of the Forum would provide a significant impetus to measures being taken in this area.

Thanking the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan for her address, the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund emphasized that the positions voiced on issues of social support for women and strengthening the institution of the family reflect a systematic approach of the friendly country in this sphere.

Oguljahan Atabayeva expressed confidence that partnership within multilateral platforms would contribute to the further development of joint initiatives.

The floor was then given to the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Ms. Aksoltan Atayeva.

Noting that the protection of women’s rights is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, Ms. Atayeva emphasized the constructive nature of Turkmenistan’s cooperation with the United Nations in this area.

The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations also stressed that special attention is paid in the country to issues of health protection and the protection of the rights of women and children, with an important role assigned to the activities of the Charity Fund.

The Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund thanked Ms. Aksoltan Atayeva for her substantive address, which highlighted the main directions of the state policy in the field of human capital development, innovation, and cultural potential.

Noting that Turkmenistan makes a significant contribution to strengthening comprehensive dialogue, promoting gender equality, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasized the importance of supporting the efforts of the international community in creating an environment for the comprehensive development of women and youth.

The moderator then gave the floor to the Minister of Home Affairs of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Ms. Lindiwe Dlamini.

Expressing sincere gratitude to the Turkmen side for the invitation to the International Conference, Ms. Lindiwe Dlamini emphasized the importance of consolidating efforts to consistently strengthen the role of women in society.

Thanking Ms. Lindiwe Dlamini for her constructive address, the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund noted that the priorities outlined reflect a commitment to a comprehensive approach to addressing social and economic challenges, expanding opportunities for youth, and strengthening the role of women in public life.

The floor was then given to the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development of Malaysia, Ms. Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri.

Ms. Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri emphasized that it was a great honor for her to take part in the International Conference held in Turkmenistan, noting that the organization of such a large-scale forum demonstrates the growing activity of women.

At the same time, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in strengthening the role of women in society, the Minister expressed confidence that this format of interaction would yield positive results.

Expressing gratitude to Ms. Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri for her substantive address, the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund emphasized that women’s participation in the development of relevant spheres of state activity undoubtedly plays an important role in shaping a healthy society.

The next speaker was the Minister of State for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Ms. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad.

Noting that it was a great honor for her to take part in the Conference, which brought together women leaders from many countries of the world, Ms. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad expressed sincere appreciation for the invitation to the Forum.

Emphasizing the significance of the International Conference devoted to the role of women in society for the global community, the Minister of State noted the growing activity of women in various spheres of life in recent years.

The Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund thanked Ms. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad for her comprehensive address, which outlined areas of importance for expanding the role of women in public life.

Noting that this is particularly important in light of the Second World Summit for Social Development held in Doha a month earlier, Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasized that supporting women’s leadership and involving women in decision-making processes is a significant vector of progress in modern society.

The moderator of the Forum then gave the floor to the Government Spokesperson of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ms. Fatemeh Mohajerani.

Expressing sincere gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the Forum, Ms. Fatemeh Mohajerani noted that expanding women’s rights and creating conditions for realizing their creative potential is one of the key factors in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Expressing sincere appreciation to Ms. Fatemeh Mohajerani for her informative address, the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund noted with satisfaction that the Forum provides a good opportunity to exchange views on pressing issues and to lay the foundation for creating a platform for cooperation involving women at the regional and international levels.

The plenary session of the Conference continued with an address by the First Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation on Social Policy, Ms. Zhanna Chefranova.

Noting the importance of expanding multilateral dialogue and cooperation to strengthen the role of women in all spheres of life, Ms. Zhanna Chefranova highly praised the steps taken by Turkmenistan in this direction.

Emphasizing the significance of the activities of the Charity Fund, the First Deputy Chairperson noted that the fact that Turkmenistan acted as the organizer of the Conference testifies to its unwavering commitment to humanitarian principles.

Expressing sincere gratitude to Ms. Zhanna Chefranova for her substantive address, the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund emphasized that the initiatives voiced reflect the importance of parliamentary dialogue in shaping an effective social agenda.

Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that the approaches presented demonstrate consistent work on improving legislative mechanisms, developing social institutions, and strengthening the social security system.

The floor was then given to the Vice President and First Secretary of the Secretariat of the All-China Women’s Federation, Ms. Huang Xiaowei.

Emphasizing that the event serves as an effective platform for exchanging experience in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality, Ms. Huang Xiaowei noted that multilateral dialogue contributes to the successful implementation of tasks in this area. Particular attention was paid to expanding opportunities for women, strengthening social support for families, increasing women’s participation in decision-making processes, and shaping social policy. In this context, the consistent approach of the Chinese side to improving social infrastructure, ensuring equal access to opportunities, and promoting gender equality and positive social transformation was noted.

The next speaker, Minister of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ms. Akmaral Alnazarova, thanked the Turkmen side for the high level of organization of the Forum, noting its significance in coordinating international efforts to ensure gender equality and expand women’s access to medical services.

Expressing deep appreciation to the representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan for her informative address, the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund stated that a comprehensive approach to healthcare development at the national, regional, and international levels directly affects the well-being and development of society.

The floor was then given to the Minister of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic, Ms. Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva.

Emphasizing the importance of the current Conference, Ms. Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva noted the need to continue international dialogue to improve women’s access to education and healthcare. Multilateral cooperation makes it possible to integrate international standards on gender equality into national strategies, the Minister of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic stated.

The Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund thanked the Minister of Education of the Kyrgyz Republic for her comprehensive address, which emphasized the importance of international cooperation and strengthening interaction between states in addressing common challenges in the social and humanitarian spheres.

Addressing the participants of the Forum with concluding remarks, Oguljahan Atabayeva once again thanked everyone for their profound, sincere, and inspiring speeches.

It was expressed that the Final Document of the Conference would serve as a significant contribution to international efforts in the humanitarian sphere and would be reflected in the implementation of joint practical steps in the future.

On behalf of the Charity Fund named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Oguljahan Atabayeva congratulated those present on the upcoming International Day of Neutrality, celebrated on 12 December.

***

The International Conference then continued its work in the format of thematic sessions: “Public Administration and the Activities of Public Institutions for the Benefit of Women and Children”, “Economic Opportunities for Women”, and “Social Activity of Women in the Spheres of Education, Child Upbringing, Healthcare, and Ecology”.

***

As a result of the Forum, a number of bilateral documents were signed.