Turkmenbashi, December 11, 2025 – The Europe Today: An international conference titled “The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development” was held on December 10 in the Awaza National Tourist Zone, bringing together senior officials, international experts, and representatives of global organizations. Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva was among the distinguished participants.
Ahead of the opening session, guests toured an exhibition showcasing Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage and contemporary achievements. The display highlighted the significant contributions of Turkmen women across state-building, the economy, science, education, and healthcare.
Dialogue on Women’s Empowerment and Global Cooperation
The conference convened participants from various countries to discuss strategies for strengthening the role of women in advancing sustainable development.
Opening the event, Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, expressed confidence that the conference would foster constructive dialogue. She emphasized the importance of promoting humanitarian values, noting that women are central to instilling peace, respect, and ethical principles in younger generations.
Atabayeva called for the creation of an international network of centers supporting women and children, outlining key priorities including medical and psychological assistance for children, social and legal support for women, rapid humanitarian response mechanisms, and mobile medical teams. She also stressed the need for women’s expanded participation in social, political, and economic processes.
UN Geneva Director-General Highlights Landmark Anniversaries
Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, underscored the significance of three major anniversaries in 2025: the UN’s 80th anniversary, 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, and the 30th anniversary of international recognition of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
She remarked that Turkmenistan’s neutrality forms a foundation for a foreign policy focused on dialogue, mediation, and cooperation. Valovaya highlighted women’s strong representation in Turkmen diplomatic and legislative institutions, where they play key roles in education, culture, science, youth policy, social protection, and healthcare.
Uzbekistan Showcases Progress in Women’s Education and Entrepreneurship
Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan, spoke about her country’s initiatives to strengthen women’s rights and expand educational opportunities. She noted that Uzbekistan has created free master’s programs and scholarships enabling women to study at top international universities — with women currently comprising 35 percent of state-funded students abroad.
Mirziyoyeva also highlighted a national accelerator program offering women entrepreneurs financing, mentoring, and access to global expertise.
Leyla Aliyeva: Women’s Knowledge and Leadership Essential for Progress
In her address, Leyla Aliyeva stressed that women’s leadership, knowledge, and experience are vital to advancing sustainable development. She outlined the activities of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, noting its extensive international work across education, healthcare, culture, and environmental protection.
Aliyeva detailed numerous global projects, including the construction and reconstruction of schools in China, Georgia, Egypt, Russia, Romania, Vietnam, and the Netherlands, as well as rebuilding girls’ schools and educational infrastructure in Pakistan. She also highlighted the Foundation’s support initiatives in Kenya, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Honduras.
Addressing environmental concerns, Aliyeva drew attention to the alarming decline in the Caspian Sea’s water level. She stressed the need for regional and international cooperation to protect marine life such as sturgeon, golden fish, and seals, noting that pollution continues to worsen the situation. “This is a global problem, and I believe we can save our sea,” she said.
Shared Vision for Enhancing Women’s Contributions
Other speakers emphasized that women remain the primary custodians of cultural values, traditions, and moral norms. They highlighted the necessity of fully engaging women in political and economic spheres to achieve sustainable development goals.
Participants agreed that conferences of this nature serve as vital platforms for multilateral dialogue and collaboration. They stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships between governments, civil society, and international organizations to remove barriers hindering women’s potential.
The conference continued with panel discussions focusing on practical measures to support women’s empowerment and expand international cooperation.
