Within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, a meeting of women leaders was held, the theme of which was “From Commitments to Change: Women as Drivers of the Avaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries”, organized by the UN Secretariat jointly with the Government of Turkmenistan.
The event was attended by leaders and representatives of parliaments of landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), as well as authoritative international organizations and public associations.
The active participation of women in the implementation of the Avaza Action Programme (AAP) for LLDCs for 2024-2034, which aims to improve social and living conditions and resolve various issues in these countries, is one of the most important factors in achieving sustainable development.
The current Forum aims to achieve gender equality in LLDCs and to share best practices in women’s empowerment. At the same time, it aims to promote the development of a consultative mechanism to improve the situation of women, as well as to consolidate efforts to ensure wide access to technology and financial resources for them, which will accelerate the implementation of the APA for the next decade. These measures will create a platform for high-level political support, dialogue and exchange of experiences among stakeholders to ensure the full participation of women in the implementation of the 2024-2034 Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries.
As is known, in modern society women play a significant role in various fields of activity, in particular, in politics, business and social movements, thereby contributing to the promotion of gender equality and solving urgent problems facing society.
It should be noted that in recent years the number of women holding leadership positions in government structures has increased significantly. Women-
Leaders are symbols of change that inspire the younger generation to be active in public life and support gender equality. Their role in politics also contributes to the development of a more inclusive approach, which in turn has a positive impact on the dynamics of sustainable development of society.
At the same time, female leaders take an active position in business, promoting new ideas and approaches, which allows for constructive organization of work processes.
Women leaders advocate for the rights of women and children in society, thereby drawing attention to key issues in this area. They also play a significant role in the fields of education and health care, which has a positive effect on the formation of a healthy and educated society.
With regard to our country's achievements in the field of gender equality, it should be noted that at the state level, legal instruments and guarantees are provided for the equal participation of men and women in public administration and the improvement of their working conditions.
Caring for women and strengthening their role in society in accordance with the Constitution of Turkmenistan and generally recognized norms of international law are among the priority areas of the political course of an independent neutral Fatherland.
Our country, following the philosophy of international relations “Dialogue is the guarantee of peace”, responsibly approaches the implementation of specific goals in the field of gender equality, which find support from the international community and, above all, the United Nations.
Turkmen women actively participate in the socio-political, socio-economic and cultural life of the state. Thus, the Law of Turkmenistan "On state guarantees of ensuring equal rights and equal opportunities for women and men" establishes guarantees for the balanced participation of women and men in government structures and the development of entrepreneurship.
Women of Turkmenistan work in various sectors, are engaged in entrepreneurial activity, educate the younger generation in the spirit of peace and good neighborliness, and also make a significant contribution to the preservation of spiritual values. They are widely represented in the structures of state power, in particular, in the national Parliament.
It should be noted that Turkmenistan has proposed establishing the first-ever Dialogue of Women of Central Asian Countries in the region. Such a format is aimed at supporting sustainable development and enhancing the role of women in strengthening peace and security in the regional dimension. This structure was created on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov with the participation of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) and the UN Development Program (UNDP).
Among its priorities is the development of effective steps for the full realization of the creative potential of women in Central Asian countries through cooperation in the name of universal peace, strengthening stability and progress.
Today, the Turkmen side is putting forward initiatives and proposals for further expansion of constructive cooperation, which is dictated by the desire to expand the scope of the activities of the Dialogue of Women of Central Asian Countries.
Such initiatives, which are finding a great response in the world, are intended to promote the comprehensive development and maintenance of multifaceted ties built on historically established bonds of good neighborliness, mutual respect, friendship and brotherhood, as well as those conditioned by the closeness of the spiritual values of the peoples of the region.
Speaking to the audience, UN Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Ms. Rabab Fatima expressed gratitude to the Turkmen side for the high level of organization of the Forum, noting that today's meeting is a unique platform for exchanging experiences, developing solutions and strengthening cooperation.
As emphasized, the United Nations firmly believes that investments in women's empowerment are investments in the future, with significant economic and social benefits in the long run.
The Awaza Action Programme includes gender equality targets, the successful implementation of which will contribute to positively addressing the challenges faced by women in LLDCs, said Ms. Rabab Fatima.
The Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan noted that today our country, under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is consistently developing trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation with countries around the world. This facilitates the exchange of best practices and further enhancement of the role of youth and women in international relations.
Women carry out a responsible and humanitarian mission before the current and future generations. In this context, emphasis was placed on the fact that the Women Leaders Forum, held within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, gives impetus to the development of women's potential in the work to strengthen peace, trust and partnership for sustainable development.
The head of the national Parliament emphasized that work to strengthen the role of women in society, protect their rights, and ensure gender equality in our country is built in accordance with the Constitution of Turkmenistan and generally recognized norms of international law.
The Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbaeva, who spoke next, noted the importance of holding this Forum in Turkmenistan, expressing sincere gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty Hero-Arkadag for their constant attention and support in realizing the potential of not only Turkmen women, but also women of Central Asia.
The head of the Parliament of the friendly country noted the importance of actively using best practices to ensure broad participation of women in social, economic and political life, organizing various regional events in this area. At the same time, noting the need for a deep study of the practice of Central Asian countries to involve women in decision-making on pressing issues of our time and entrepreneurship, Tanzila Narbaeva voiced a number of proposals related to holding business forums, involving women in the implementation of the APA.
Expressing confidence that women leaders will make a worthy contribution to the implementation of the new ten-year Action Programme, the Chairperson of the Parliament of Uzbekistan thanked the Government of Turkmenistan for the warm welcome.
Secretary of State for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar Maryam bint Ali Al-Missned, expressing gratitude to the Government and people of Turkmenistan for the hospitality shown, noted that holding the current Forum is evidence of the consolidation of joint efforts to address the problems faced by women in landlocked developing countries.
In her speech, the guest focused on the humanitarian mission of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care and its Vice President for Medical Activities Oguljahan Atabayeva. As noted, this is an example of successful provision of gender equality and a dignified role for women in society in Turkmenistan.
Next, Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Sevil Mikayilova spoke, emphasizing that empowering women in decision-making is a proven strategy for strengthening governance, improving policy effectiveness and achieving inclusive development results.
Particular emphasis was placed on the Avaza Agenda for Action, which recognizes the critical importance of ensuring gender equality in achieving the SDGs in landlocked developing countries.
The Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union called on the meeting participants to join efforts to empower women in decision-making processes to promote connectivity and economic opportunities in LLDCs, while shaping policies that promote equal and sustainable societies for all.
Then, Ivana Zivkovic, Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS of the United Nations Development Programme, on behalf of UNDP, expressed gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan for organizing the event and noted the important role of women in the implementation of the Avaza Action Programme.
Achieving gender equality requires concrete action, and the Avaza Programme creates opportunities for this, said Ivana Zivkovic, reaffirming UNDP’s readiness to work closely with governments, civil society and the private sector to strengthen the role of women.
Then the floor was given to the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care, Oguljahan Atabayeva, who, warmly greeting those gathered, emphasized the importance of the goal of the current meeting, which is being held within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.
When talking about economic and sustainable development, one cannot help but emphasize the significant role of women, who are an integral part of this process and make a significant contribution to ensuring well-being and prosperity.
However, as noted, progress is not limited to the development of technology, production, innovations, it is closely connected with spiritual and moral values and social institutions that have proven their worth throughout history. Respect for elders, connections between representatives of different generations, continuity of traditions, respect, honesty, tolerance, responsibility - all this forms the basis of family education.
In this context, women are entrusted with a high, noble and very important mission - to be a mother and keeper of the family hearth. From the first days of a child's life, a mother must approach his upbringing with great responsibility, teach and guide, laying a solid foundation for the future of each person.
Family values are the rules that bind close people together and form the basis of education. They play a key role in the formation of personality and contribute to the strengthening of the family and society as a whole.
As was emphasized, in Turkmenistan women are represented in all spheres, including education, science, culture and the private sector, and occupy leadership positions in government bodies.
In continuation, Oguljahan Atabayeva, as the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care, spoke about the Foundation, about the protection of the physical and spiritual health of young Turkmen citizens. As noted, the Foundation closely cooperates with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry and other relevant departments of our country to provide free medical care to children in need. Particular attention is paid to children left without parental care.
This year, the Foundation celebrated its fourth anniversary. During this time, numerous charitable events have been financed, including more than 500 neurosurgical, orthopedic and cardiac surgeries.
Also located next to the Foundation is the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Children's Health and Rehabilitation Center, where children of different ages receive free rehabilitation services every day.
Speaking about the implemented large-scale projects and programs to improve the living conditions of children, the quality of medical services provided to them and social adaptation, Oguljahan Atabaeva emphasized that in its work the Foundation strives to use the most modern methods of medicine, introduce the latest technologies and world experience in the field of pediatric medicine.
“We are open to international cooperation in the field of studying and exchanging best practices,” said the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charitable Foundation, emphasizing the need to pay special attention to women, their physical and spiritual health, and to create conditions for revealing their abilities and potential in order to raise a healthy generation.
The protection of motherhood and childhood, strengthening family values, and the development of women’s creative and intellectual potential are among the main directions of Turkmenistan’s state policy, continued Oguljahan Atabaeva, noting that Turkmenistan’s legislation provides social support for large families and guarantees women’s rights.
As was emphasized, the role of women in our country is determined by a comprehensive strategy in the field of gender equality, aimed at ensuring equal rights and freedoms for men and women in accordance with the Constitution of Turkmenistan, international obligations and recommendations of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
The charity fund strives to actively participate in all ongoing relevant and humanitarian projects for the benefit of women and children, and is open to cooperation with interested parties in the fields of healthcare, science, education and culture, Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasized, wishing everyone good health, well-being and success in humanitarian and noble deeds.
Vice President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care Oguljahan Atabayeva concluded her speech with a wonderful quote from Mother Teresa: “Women are the heart of the home. Let us pray that we women will realize the meaning of our existence: to love and be loved, and through this love to become instruments of peace throughout the world.”
During the interactive discussions, it was noted that women’s economic empowerment is one of the key conditions for creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. Quality education helps women realize their creative potential and contribute to the economic development of countries. In this regard, the Forum participants emphasized the importance of ensuring women’s access to education at all stages – from primary to higher education.
At the same time, for women to work and train fully and to improve their entrepreneurial skills, it is necessary to ensure access to quality medical services. In this regard, the need for developing and supporting targeted programs that will also allow for making informed health assessments was emphasized.
In this context, the speakers noted that the expansion of women's economic rights and opportunities is an integral condition for sustainable economic development. Therefore, at all levels - from government agencies, the private sector and civil society - it is necessary to consolidate efforts to create an environment that will allow them to realize their potential.
During the discussions, it was stated that women's participation in political decision-making contributes to achieving more inclusive results. In this regard, the speakers emphasized the importance of developing constructive solutions to strengthen the position of women in politics, as well as introducing special educational programs to improve their leadership skills and qualities.
As is known, the main factor of universal sustainable development in the modern world is social and cultural growth. Therefore, promoting the active participation of women in cultural life, science and education, and the field of technology will strengthen unity and create an equal society
Supporting women's creativity through funding programs, exhibitions, festivals and other events plays an important role in providing access to opportunities for the development of their talents. Such initiatives not only contribute to the development of culture and art, but also to the creation of an environment for dialogue and mutual understanding between different layers of society.
In recent years, women's participation in politics has become one of the main topics of international conferences devoted to socio-economic reforms. The inclusion of this issue on the agenda of the current meeting of women leaders, held within the framework of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, demonstrates the importance of women's active participation at all stages of political processes.
In this regard, the Forum participants emphasized the importance of strengthening the position of women in the implementation of the ten-year Avaza Action Program (2024–2034). This involves increasing investment in education through various projects and stimulating women's entrepreneurship through programs of financial support for women's endeavors. At the same time, achieving the intended goal requires maintaining solidarity and cooperation between women's organizations of the RNCSD.
Following the meeting, the Outcome Document was adopted. In it, women leaders participating in the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, recognizing the need to maintain the inextricable link between gender equality, women's empowerment, for sustainable development, as well as promoting inclusive development of LLDCs, called on all leaders and stakeholders to take appropriate measures to create conditions for ensuring gender equality in all areas, equal participation of women in the implementation of the Avaza Action Programme.
The Forum participants expressed gratitude to the Turkmen side for the high level of organization.
Then the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care cordially thanked everyone for their active participation in the event held in Turkmenistan and for the ideas expressed.
As noted, our country supports initiatives aimed at the well-being and happiness of people. Only through joint efforts, mutual support and trust can successful results be achieved, emphasized the Vice President for the Foundation's medical activities. In this regard, the emphasis was placed on the fact that women should play a leading role in this process.
Taking this opportunity, Vice President of the Foundation Oguljahan Atabayeva said that she would like to draw attention to the situation in the world of children in need of guardianship. As noted, in this matter the world community should take a more active and proactive position and firmly adhere to the provisions of the UN Charter when making decisions.
Thus, the current event, by focusing on the important role of women in society, demonstrated that their empowerment and active participation in political decision-making at both the national and international levels is a key factor in the formation of sustainable development.
