The upcoming BE WOMAN Asia Forum, set to take place from September 25 to 27, 2025, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, promises to be one of the most groundbreaking event for woman’s leadership and development in Central Asia. As the region’s largest platform dedicated to empowering women across all sectors, BE WOMAN is uniting influential leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers on one transformative stage. More than just a forum, it’s a catalyst for action, a celebration of achievements, and a platform for shaping the future of the region through the voices and vision of women.
This year’s forum marks a monumental step forward for women across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and other Eurasian countries. It creates a dynamic and inclusive space where world-renowned speakers, policy experts, and thought leaders come together to exchange innovative ideas and strategies for building sustainable leadership frameworks grounded in authenticity, identity, and purpose. With participation from countries such as the USA, Turkey, South Korea, Italy, Russia, Spain, the Netherlands, and the UAE, BE WOMAN Asia is a truly global platform centered in the heart of Eurasia.
BE WOMAN is not simply an event but also is a movement of transformation. The forum asks critical questions relevant to today’s fast-changing world: How can women remain rooted in their cultural values while leading in the modern global economy? How do leaders balance professional success with family, tradition, and self-growth? How can societies reshape governance, innovation, and diplomacy through inclusive leadership?
These questions are explored through high-level panel discussions, keynote sessions, and interactive formats such as BE WOMAN TALK, where next-generation leaders share deeply personal stories of struggle, achievement, and transformation. The main goal of the forum is to create a safe, engaging, and supportive ecosystem for women to connect, reflect, and take concrete steps toward leadership.
Global Voices on a Local Stage
The forum gathers some of the most influential figures from across continents. The most anticipated guests represent the different backgrounds, like last year when it had Maye Musk, mother of SpaceX and Tesla founder Elon Musk. Other prominent voices include Ayumi Moore Aoki, the founder of the Women in Tech movement; psychotherapist Gabor Maté, known for his work on trauma and healing; and Julie Lewis, the acclaimed adventurer and motivational author, who shared their insights on leadership, identity, emotional well-being, and global trends, which will add invaluable depth to the conversations taking place during the forum.
What sets BE WOMAN apart is the diversity of experience and expertise brought by its participants. Every voice is welcomed, and every story is honored, regardless of whether participants come from business, science, technology, health, diplomacy, or civil society. With over 3,500 participants expected, including heads of organizations, social entrepreneurs, policymakers, artists, and youth leaders, BE WOMAN is where real conversations lead to real action.
One of the most impactful components of the forum is an exhibition in collaboration with the BOMCA 10 Programme, celebrating the achievements of women across Central Asian border regions. These stories, divided into three categories such as leadership, innovation, and competencies, highlight women’s contributions to regional security, cross-border cooperation, and community development. The women featured in this exhibition represent government agencies, civil society groups, and international organizations. Their work has led to tangible improvements in border governance, public services, infrastructure development, and social stability, all of which are vital for the region’s prosperity. The exhibition also emphasizes that gender equality is not just a societal goal but a prerequisite for peace, progress, and prosperity in Central Asia.
From Inspiration to Action
The BE WOMAN Forum places strong emphasis on intergenerational dialogue and mentorship. Through exclusive mentoring circles, participants engage with leading entrepreneurs, cultural icons, investors, and industry experts to gain feedback, ask questions, and receive practical advice on their personal and professional growth.
These sessions allow women to connect deeply, share struggles openly, and take away lessons that are not just theoretical but grounded in lived experiences. Whether one is just starting a business, launching a social initiative, or climbing the leadership ladder in a corporate or government structure, these one-on-one engagements provide a rare and powerful opportunity for transformation. The forum further enriches this environment by offering live platforms both in person and online for authentic storytelling and emotional intelligence development. The BE WOMAN initiative aligns strongly with Central Asia’s broader diplomatic goals. By focusing on gender inclusivity, the forum reinforces Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing its international profile as a leader in sustainable development and women’s empowerment.
Through its work, BE WOMAN is influencing not just individual lives but also the policy-making environment across Central Asia, fostering an understanding that gender equity is a pillar of modern governance and that women’s inclusion in national development agendas leads to better economic outcomes, greater innovation, and more resilient societies.
This forum encapsulates the belief that true leadership begins with authenticity and thrives in collaboration. It encourages women to lead with compassion, to embrace their cultural and familial roots, and to foster environments where transformation is collective rather than competitive. One of the most striking aspects of BE WOMAN is its ability to bridge inspiration and implementation. While the platform uplifts women through motivational stories and speeches, it also provides access to practical tools, resources, and networks. The forum’s structure is deliberately action-oriented; every session, whether a panel or a personal talk, is designed to spark not only reflection but also decision-making and initiative.
By the end of the three-day forum, participants leave not only motivated but also mobilized. They gain access to a global support network, learn new business and leadership skills, and leave equipped with strategies to overcome barriers and realize their visions. As Almaty prepares to welcome thousands of passionate and powerful voices, the BE WOMAN Asia Forum is poised to become a defining moment for women in Central Asia and beyond. It represents the convergence of culture, courage, creativity, and community, and it stands as a beacon of hope for a more equitable and inclusive future.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram is the Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF).
